New London Historical Society Events

Offered anytime throughout the year

3pm to 5pm

The society has offered its unique, hands-on exhibits to area school groups for over 30 years at no cost, though donations are accepted.

The annual 4th Grade Open House for students from Kearsarge Regional elementary schools is one well-established example. Students are divided into small groups and cycle through a series of activities designed to illustrate different facets of 19th century life in rural New England. These include bartering in the Country Store, attending class in the Schoolhouse, cooking on the hearth at the farmhouse, weaving on the barn loom, and playing games on the field. Afterwards, they gather for hearty lunch in the Phillips Barn and complete their visit with a music program.

The volunteer effort is significant, requiring the collaboration of society docents, parent chaperones, and classroom teachers. At the end of the busy day, both students and volunteers are exhausted, but rewarded. In their yearbooks, many elementary school students cite this field trip as one their favorites.