History
Explore New Hampshire's Rich Past
Discover the fascinating history of New Hampshire through a variety of historical sites, museums, and resources. From colonial landmarks and Revolutionary War sites to the state’s role in shaping early America and the home of one of our US Presidents, New Hampshire offers a wealth of stories waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to learn more about the Granite State’s past, these resources serve as your gateway to understanding New Hampshire’s heritage and help bring the past to life!
Museums and Historic Sites
- American Independence Museum
- America's Stonehenge
- Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
- Canterbury Shaker Village
- Enfield Shaker Museum
- Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum
- New Hampshire Farm Museum
- New Hampshire Telephone Museum
- Strawbery Banke
- The Berlin Falls House Museum Heritage Center
- The Gundalow Company
- The Moffett House Genealogy & Sports Museum
- The Pierce Manse: Home of the 14th President of the US
- Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion
- Woodman Museum
- Wright Museum of World War II
Do you know that according to NH.gov, New Hampshire was first named North Virginia, and it was once under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts?
“Early historians record that in 1623, under the authority of an English land-grant, Captain John Mason, in conjunction with several others, sent David Thomson, a Scotsman, and Edward and Thomas Hilton, fish-merchants of London, with a number of other people in two divisions to establish a fishing colony in what is now New Hampshire, at the mouth of the Piscataqua River.”
The Latest
The oldest hospital in New Hampshire opened almost 200 years ago. Here's where it is
While hospital often tout their innovations, their history can also be interesting. In New Hampshire, the state's oldest hospital was founded almost 200 years ago.
Engaging new lessons highlighting the history and heritage of the New Hampshire Constitution are now available
This Presidents Day, the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) has launched the first 42 lessons in a new series of engaging, New Hampshire-specific digital resources bolstering civics education for K-12 students across the state.
‘New Hampshire is your sandbox:’ State history lies below the surface in Errol
Tucked away on Airport Road in Concord is an unassuming building. There are no windows from the front. It has a gray metal door, and inside are rows upon rows of Bankers Boxes filled with finds from decades of archaeological digs in New Hampshire.
The oldest town in NH is over 400 years old. But actually it's 2 towns
As one of the original 13 colonies, New Hampshire's oldest town is over 400 years old. But did you know the state actually started in two different settlements?
A NH librarian's guide to discovering local history through gravestones
One way to learn more about the history of small town New Hampshire is a stroll through the local cemetery. I recently met with genealogist Erin Moulton at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Derry for a tour of her favorite gravesites.
New Hampshire nonprofit aims to bring women's history to classrooms worldwide
This Women's History Month, a New Hampshire-based nonprofit organization is making strides to bring women's perspectives and impact on history to students around the world. Teachers using the lesson plans in New Hampshire say they're already seeing a change in their students.