Merrimack Historical Society

Merrimack Historical Society Official Merrimack (NH) Historical Society FaceBook page. The Merrimack Historical Society is closed for the season from Thanksgiving 2021, to April 30, 2022.

We have moved into our new home at 10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH with hopes to open in late spring of 2022. Any questions call 603-880-4343, or email [email protected] .

Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'top' of non-object
" >
07/09/2024

Merrimack Historical Society Meeting
Agenda - July 16, 2024 - 6:00 PM - #3 Schoolhouse
10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054
6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served
Courtesy of Bess Parks
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
6:15 PM There will be a short business meeting including the President’s Address by John Lastowka and the VP's Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 7:00 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: STEVE TAYLOR

Steven will present "New Hampshire's Long Love-Hate Relationship With Its Agricultural Fairs"

Program: The first agricultural fair in North America was held in what is now Londonderry in 1722, and it would become a wildly popular event lasting for generations until it came to be so
dominated by gambling, flim-flam, and other "scandalous dimensions" that the legislature revoked its charter in 1850. But fairs have always had strong supporters and eventually the
state came around to appropriating modest sums to help them succeed. Temperance groups and others would continue to attack the fairs on moral grounds and their close connection to
horse racing was a chronic flashpoint. Steve Taylor will discuss the ups and downs of the fairs down through years and how public affection for rural traditions helps them survive in
contemporary times.

Bio: Steve Taylor is a farmer, newspaperman, and longtime public official. He has studied, written, and spoken for many years about New Hampshire's rural culture and the state's agricultural history. With his three sons, he operates a livestock and maple farm in Meriden Village. He has been a newspaper reporter and editor and was founding executive director of the New Hampshire Humanities Council. He served 25 years as the state's commissioner of
agriculture.

A bit of history from our friends in Mont Vernon NH.
07/09/2024

A bit of history from our friends in Mont Vernon NH.

33 states in America have a town named MOUNT Vernon. Only New Hampshire has a town by the name of MONT Vernon. Is it a mistake? Watch the video and draw ...

06/25/2024

On Thursday, June 27, the Merrimack Historical Society will have a booth at the 9th annual https://www.facebook.com/nhhotdogz/ event to advocate, appreciate and raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease. Come by, visit, and say hi. And maybe have a hot dog too!. See you all there. A portion of any Merrimack Historical Society sales on Thursday will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. Thank you for your support.

Community organisation

Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed_layout' of non-object
" data-ad-slot="
Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed' of non-object
">
06/11/2024

This video is the first in a series of short ‘To & Froe’ Tidbits documenting historical events.
This tidbit is a short video walk-a-long of the new Souhegan River Trail, to open later in the summer of 2024. The Souhegan River Trail will complete the last connection of the trail from Watson Park to Wildcat Falls.

06/10/2024

Merrimack Historical Society Meeting
Agenda - June 18, 2024 - 6:00 PM - #3 Schoolhouse
10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054
6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served
Courtesy of Bess Parks
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: A special presentation given by our own Ralph Gerenz. He will portray and explain the guidelines required to be a Minuteman Reenactor.

The Shot Heard 'Round the World by Ralph Gerenz.

The Revolutionary War was a war unlike any other—one of ideas and ideals, that shaped “the course of human events.” With 165 principal engagements from 1775-1783, the Revolutionary War was the catalyst for American independence. Though preceded by years of unrest and periodic violence, the Revolutionary War began in earnest on April 19, 1775, with the battles of Lexington and Concord. The conflict lasted a total of seven years, with the major American victory at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781 marking the end of hostilities, although some fighting took place through the fall of 1783.

Bio: Ralph Gerenz Ralph has been a Minuteman Reenactor for 49 years and will be the featured speaker for tonight’s program. He is a graduate of West Point with a master’s degree from MIT. He lived in Merrimack, NH for many years and is now retired and living in Nashua, NH. Ralph was the treasurer of the Merrimack Historical Society and a dedicated officer and volunteer participating with the MHS projects and modernizations.

06/07/2024

The Plaque Reveal on June 1, 2024 at the Merrimack Historical Society with Susan Fineman, Director of CSAA, Country Schoolhouse Association of America, and John Lastowka, President Merrimack Historical Society.

Thank you to all that helped make the CSAA Plaque reveal a great success from the Merrimack Historical Society.  A few i...
06/03/2024

Thank you to all that helped make the CSAA Plaque reveal a great success from the Merrimack Historical Society. A few images from the Saturday reveal. Did I mention the weather was fantastic!. Thanks again to all in your support of the Merrimack Historical Society.

05/15/2024

Merrimack Historical Society Meeting
Agenda - May 21, 2024 - 6:00 PM - #3 Schoolhouse
10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054

6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served
Courtesy of Bess Parks

7:00 PM Guest Speaker: Susan Fineman

"A Death. A Vision. A Miracle."

Resurrecting Forest Grove, a new documentary by Emmy award-winning filmmakers Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films, cinematically tells the dramatic true story behind the seemingly-impossible task of restoring a vintage one-room school to its 1920s appearance. Footage and interviews gathered over a seven-year period depict the problems they faced and the solutions they employed as they attempted to bring this rural icon back to life.
The surprises and successes of this challenging restoration project are intercut with a vivid historical portrait of the ‘Roaring 20s’ in rural America.

Bio: Susan Fineman is a retired teacher of 31 years from the Lowell Public Schools and a 30-year resident of Nashua. She is on the Board of Directors and a founding member of the Country School
Association of America (CSAA), a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to supporting schoolhouse enthusiasts across the nation. She has served as a “schoolmarm” at Nashua’s District #1 since 2005 and has traveled the country visiting and photographing one-room schools. Susan has presented at twelve CSAA annual national conferences held in a different state each year. Susan has also presented at six Preservation Iowa Country School Conferences.

Looking for a way to celebrate Mother’s Day or upcoming Graduations?
05/07/2024

Looking for a way to celebrate Mother’s Day or upcoming Graduations?

Thank you for supporting the Merrimack Historical Society
05/01/2024

Thank you for supporting the Merrimack Historical Society

Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed_layout' of non-object
" data-ad-slot="
Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed' of non-object
">
03/28/2024

The Merrimack Historical Society is planning on creating an exhibit of “Old Toys”.

We’re looking for some toys that you, your parents, or even in some cases your grandparents might have played with.

Each toy will be identified by name, age, and we’ll include a short statement of where it came from, who played with it and perhaps a memory or two.

We are hoping to get this exhibit ready by June so that our school kids can visit during the summer vacation. This exhibit will remain up for a few months.

Check your attics, basements, and curio cabinets. If you’ve got a toy that you’d be willing to lend to the historical society for this exhibit, please let us know and we will follow up.

Contact us at: [email protected]

03/04/2024

Merrimack Historical Society Meeting

Agenda - March 19, 2024 - 6:00 PM - #3 Schoolhouse
10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054

6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served
Courtesy of Bess Parks
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
6:17 PM President’s Address John Lastowka
6:30 PM Treasurer Report Larry Shower
6:35 PM MHS “Old Toy Display” Wendy Thomas
6:40 PM The VP’s Tidbit Chuck Mower
6:45 PM Approval of January 16, 2024, meeting minutes.
6:55 PM Motion to adjourn business meeting.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker:
David McNeil, Educator Hudson, NH

March 2024 Program
Women on the Home Front, WW II,

American women supported the WWII war effort in a variety of ways, but in this presentation, David will focus on non-military contributions. Most people have heard of Rosie the Riveter, but there’s is so much more to discuss - from the world of entertainment to more mundane, day-to-day efforts, and yes, to the various work roles women assumed in the absence of men. They all did their part.

02/29/2024

The Merrimack Historical Society will be open Saturday, March 2nd, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. The Society is located at 10 Depot Street. The Society will open to the public during these hours. All are welcome.

02/16/2024

Hello All,

Due to an unexpected medical issue, our program speaker, Dave McNeil will not be able to speak at our upcoming meeting on February 20, 2024 but Dave will be able to present the “Women of WW II” at a future date.



However, this meeting is not canceled:

In lieu of a presentation we will have a panel discussion that will include our membership and surrounding Historical Societies. We have visited neighboring historical societies at their facility, plus hosted several “Meet and Greets” at our Schoolhouse #3 including our officers and staff. Everyone found these “Meet and Greets” informative, productive, leaving with new ideas and shared contact information for future reference and collaboration. As a result of this cancelation we have a unique opportunity for our MEMBERSHIP to be part of an open panel discussion, sharing ideas, accomplishments and disappointments. Our goal has been to actively update our membership of the societies vision, business and financial status. At this meeting our members will have an opportunity to be part of the panel discussion. We are keepers of the past, but to survive and thrive, we need to have a plan for the future.



We have invited our membership, the Nashua, Hudson, Milford, Hollis and Mont Vernon Historical Societies.



We do hope you can attend this meeting. We feel it will be engaging and informative.

02/03/2024

Merrimack Historical Society Meeting

Agenda - February 20, 2024 - 6:00 PM - #3 Schoolhouse
10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054

6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served Courtesy of Bess Parks
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
6:17 PM President’s Address John Lastowka
6:30 PM Treasurer Report Larry Shower
6:35 PM The New MHS Store Larry Shower, Lynda Tomasian
6:40 PM The VP’s Tidbit Chuck Mower
6:45 PM Approval of January 16, 2024, meeting minutes.
6:55 PM Motion to adjourn business meeting.

7:00 PM Guest Speaker: David McNeil, Educator Hudson, NH
February 2024 Program - Women on the Home Front, WW II.

American women supported the WWII war effort in a variety of ways, but in this presentation, I’ll focus on non-military contributions. Most people have heard of Rosie the Riveter, but there’s is so much more to discuss - from the world of entertainment to more mundane, day-to-day efforts, and yes, to the various work roles women assumed in the absence of men. They all did their part.

Bio: I graduated from UNH in 1969 with a degree in Sociology, then began my teaching career at Alvirne in Social Studies in the Fall of 1971. Retired from Alvirne at the end of the 2003 school year. In 1989, I received a master’s degree in education from River College (now, university). In the 1980’s and 1990’s, I also taught evening classes in the field of education. After retirement, I joined the River Institute for Senior Education (RISE), first, as a student, then as both a facilitator and a student. I am currently still active at RISE in both roles. The classes I’ve taught, if you want to include them you could mention “The Spies Among Us’, “The Post War Years; America and the Cold War”, and “A Society in Transition ” (about day-to-day life in the 1950’s), to name a few.

Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed_layout' of non-object
" data-ad-slot="
Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed' of non-object
">
The Nashua Historical Society presents a New Hampshires Fab Four: The Hutchinson Family Singers.  https://www.facebook.c...
01/24/2024

The Nashua Historical Society presents a New Hampshires Fab Four: The Hutchinson Family Singers.

https://www.facebook.com/events/s/new-hampshires-fab-four-explor/1080877289705029/?mibextid=9l3rBW&refsrc=deprecated&paipv=0&eav=AfY5zwr9mKVo850gps90qx6oELfqBMHt5kQguZfSyEY87-sVWfMi-3DX89RPySAA_e8&_rdr

The Hutchinson Family Singers likely sang songs composed by Merrimack born Walter Kittredge https://merrimackhistory.com/people-of-note/ including "Tenting Tonight on the Old Camp Ground". If you plan on attending, this should be a special afternoon. The presentation is at 1:00pm.

Since 2016 the Merrimack Historical Society web site has provided brief biographies of its most notable citizens. They came from all walks of life, with

January Meeting Date. Please note the January meeting will be the third Tuesday, January 16th.  Merrimack Historical Soc...
01/05/2024

January Meeting Date. Please note the January meeting will be the third Tuesday, January 16th.

Merrimack Historical Society Meeting

Agenda - January 16, 2024 - 6:00 PM - #3 Schoolhouse
10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054

6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served Courtesy of Bess Parks
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
6:20 PM President’s Address John Lastowka
6:30 PM Treasurer Report Larry Shower
6:35 PM The New MHS Store Larry Shower, Lynda Tomasian
6:40 PM The VP’s Tidbit Chuck Mower
6:45 PM Approval of November 21, 2023, meeting minutes.
6:55 PM Motion to adjourn business meeting.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: Susan Fineman
January 2024 Program - "Merrimack’s two schoolhouse treasures"

Merrimack is very fortunate to have preserved two icons of public education in Schoolhouse #12 and Schoolhouse #3. Hear what is being done across the country to encourage the preservation, restoration, and interest in our country schools. Our speaker this evening will tell of Nashua’s District #1 Schoolhouse and how it has served local 4th graders in a living history experience since 1978. This presentation is bound to support Merrimack’s Schoolhouse #3’s role as a destination for Merrimack’s residents and school children. You are the stewards of two country school treasures....and how fortunate you are!

Bio:
Susan Fineman is a retired teacher of 31 years from the Lowell Public Schools and a 30-year resident of Nashua. She is on the Board of Directors and a founding member of the Country School Association of America, a non-profit grassroots organization
dedicated to supporting schoolhouse enthusiasts across the nation. She has served as a “schoolmarm” at Nashua’s District #1 since 2005 and has traveled the country visiting and photographing one-room schools. Susan has presented at twelve CSAA annual national conferences held in a different state each year. Susan has also presented at six Preservation Iowa Country School Conferences.

CSAA Brochure

The Merrimack Historical Society is focusing on the ongoing project at the Chamberlain Stone Arch bridge to connect the ...
12/20/2023

The Merrimack Historical Society is focusing on the ongoing project at the Chamberlain Stone Arch bridge to connect the Watson Park area to the Wildcat Falls Trail. With the recent heavy rains the Souhegan River was running high and hard at the bridge. The images here show comparison of the river in October this year and on December 19th. Once the trail is completed this will be an exciting hike with a view to the Chamberlain Stone Arch bridge not afforded when driving over the bridge.

12/18/2023

10 Depot Street, home to Merrimack Historical Society since 2021. But did you know that it was home to the PTA Kindergarten for the previous 60 years? From 1961-2021. What memories there must be. Maybe you, a sister or brother, a daughter or son attended classes there? Or maybe you taught there the young children there? Merrimack Historical Society's first pewter ornament celebrates Schoolhouse #3 rich history. Share your memories and stories of those times.

Online Store is now AvailableThe Merrimack Historical Society is proud to announce our Online Store and Shop is now open...
12/06/2023

Online Store is now Available

The Merrimack Historical Society is proud to announce our Online Store and Shop is now open!

https://online-store-103055.square.site/

Our new Schoolhouse #3 ornament is available online in our Shop at the link below.

https://online-store-103055.square.site/product/pewter-ornament-schoolhouse-3/32?cs=true&cst=custom

The ornament is currently also available at the Town Managers Office in the Town Hall building at 6 Baboosic Lake Rd.

More locations coming soon!

Added to post on 12-08-2023:
The Schoolhouse #3 ornament is now available at the following Merrimack merchants.

Town Hall Manager’s office, Town Hall, 6 Baboosic Lake Rd.
Depot Farm Stand, 668 Daniel Webster Hwy.
Reeds Ferry Lumber Corp, 544 Daniel Webster Hwy.
Reeds Ferry Market, 601 Daniel Webster Hwy.
Silva’s Auto, 444 Daniel Webster Hwy
The Village Eatery, 583 Daniel Webster Hwy.
HC Salon and Day Spa, 454 Daniel Webster Hwy.

The Merrimack Historical Society is pleased to be partnering with these local merchants and businesses in support of the sale of the Schoolhouse #3 ornament. Many thanks to these businesses.

And thanks to all who continue to support of the Merrimack Historical Society.

Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed_layout' of non-object
" data-ad-slot="
Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed' of non-object
">
11/20/2023

Merrimack Historical Society Meeting

November 21, 2023, 6:00 PM, #3 Schoolhouse
10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054

6:00 PM Open Doors Beverages and refreshments served.
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
6:20 PM President’s Address John Lastowka

Minutes approval from last month’s meeting, an update on projects our teams are working on and Meet & Greet overview with fellow Historical Societies. Annual holiday Christmas Party
6:30 PM Treasurer Report Larry Shower
6:35 PM The New MHS Store Larry Shower, Lynda Tomasian
6:40 PM The MHS Christmas Party Barbara Watson
6:45 PM The VP’s Tidbit Chuck Mower
6:55 PM Motion to adjourn business meeting.

7:00 PM Guest Speaker: Kevin Gardner
Kevin is a writer, teacher, tradesman, and a lifelong resident of Hopkinton, NH. He has been a stone wall builder for forty years, and is the author of "The Granite Kiss: Traditions and Techniques of Building New England Stone Walls" .

Why are we so fascinated with stone walls?
Kevin Gardner, author of The Granite Kiss, explains how and why New England came to acquire its thousands of miles of stone walls,
the ways in which they and other dry stone structures were built, how their styles emerged and changed over time and their significance to the famous New England landscape. Along
the way, Kevin occupies himself building a miniature wall or walls on a tabletop, using tiny stones from a five-gallon bucket.

Thank your support!
11/07/2023

Thank your support!

The Merrimack Historical Society invites you to a craft fair sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, chapter 6725, on Nove...
10/23/2023

The Merrimack Historical Society invites you to a craft fair sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, chapter 6725, on November 3rd and 4th at the James Mastricola Elementary School in Merrimack NH.

The Merrimack Historical Society bridges Merrimack's past to the present. We are excited to share with you the rich history of Merrimack!

Drop by our booth to meet with our staff and share stories of Merrimack. Sample our store items while there. See you at the fair!

10/15/2023

Merrimack Historical Society

Meeting - October 17, 2023 - 6:15 PM - #3 Schoolhouse
10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054

6:15 PM Business Meeting
▪ Pledge of Allegiance
▪ President’s Report John Lastowka.
▪ Treasurer Report Larry Shower
▪ Committee Reports
• Membership Lynda Tomasian
• Program Lynda Tomasian
• Building/Facilities Rick Price
• Bylaws John Lastowka
• Fundraising Larry Shower
▪ Member Comments

7:00 PM Program: Merrimack Fire and Rescue Department
Tonight’s speaker is Fire Marshall, Chris Wyman.

The Merrimack Fire Rescue is a 24 hour a day, 365 day a year professional fire department. Our Firefighters, Paramedics and Officers are always on duty; ready, willing, and prepared to help
you whenever you need them.

The Mission of the Merrimack Fire and Rescue Department is to protect life, property, and the environment for those who live, work, visit or invest in our community.

Through a combination of teamwork, dedication, compassion, and education, the Merrimack Fire and Rescue Department strives to be a professional organization to which others will
benchmark their efforts.

Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed_layout' of non-object
" data-ad-slot="
Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed' of non-object
">
10/08/2023
Merrimack Historical Society MeetingSeptember 19, 2023, 6:00 PM,  #3 Schoolhouse10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 030546:00...
09/05/2023

Merrimack Historical Society Meeting

September 19, 2023, 6:00 PM, #3 Schoolhouse
10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054

6:00 PM Open Doors Beverages and refreshments served.
6:30 PM Business Meeting
6:30 PM Pledge of Allegiance & President’s Report John Lastowka
6:40 PM Treasurer Report Larry Shower
6:45 PM Secretary’s Report Pat Heinrich
6:50 PM Chuck Mower’s “Historical Tidbits”
7:00 PM Member Comments
7:10 PM Adjourn
7:15 PM Program

Arthur F. Rounds: The Stone Arch Bridges of New Hampshire
Arthur F. Rounds is a retired photographic imaging specialist. After serving for 3 years in the US Army as a photography instructor, Arthur graduated Magna Cum Laude from RIT’s College of Graphic Arts & Photography with a BS in Professional Photography. His work life included professional photography, teaching photography at the college and professional levels, and eventually owning and operating a commercial photo laboratory for 15 years before he retired.
Arthur’s latest personal project is photographing the Stone Arch Bridges that still exist in New Hampshire. He began this project in September 2022. He continues to enjoy tracking down the last few stone arch bridges that he has yet to photograph.

Refreshments will be served as compliments from the Merrimack Historical Society’s pastry Chef, Bess Parks.

January is membership month, renewals for 2024 ensure your membership is up to date. Membership forms are available at #3 Schoolhouse, or you can print your “Membership Form” from our NEW Web Page: merrimackhistory.com , then Donate. Thank you.

Donate! MHS Deed of GiftDownload GIFTS OF YOUR FAMILY TREASURES We are extremely grateful when we receive items and artifacts of historic importance to Merrimack, New Hampshire, to add to our collection. These items might include (but are not limited to): - photographs, albums, documents, pamphlets,...

The Jones Estate at Thornton's Ferry, now part of Rose Haven at 8 Jennifer Drive. The building is visible from the Danie...
08/30/2023

The Jones Estate at Thornton's Ferry, now part of Rose Haven at 8 Jennifer Drive. The building is visible from the Daniel Webster Highway, nestled between two mini-malls. If you have any knowledge of this place, or stories to tell, we'd love to hear! (Colorized photo, original sepia toned)

08/10/2023

Merrimack Historical Society Meeting

Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 6:00 PM, #3 Schoolhouse

10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054

6:00 PM Open Doors - Beverages and refreshments served.
6:30 PM Pledge of Allegiance
6:31 PM President’s Address John Lastowka

Updates from the past month.

6:40 PM Treasurer Report Larry Shower
6:45 PM Secretary’s Report Pat Heinrich
6:50 PM Motion to adjourn business meeting.

A 10-minute break

7:00 PM Guest Speaker Chuck Mower
Program: Journey Along the Middlesex Canal
An overview of the Merrimack River Valley and navigation on the
Merrimack River and the first feat of Civil Engineering in the
United States.

07/17/2023

Dear members and friends,

Due to circumstances beyond our control, I am sad to say that we must cancel tomorrow night’s June 18th, 2023 meeting. I understand this is a short notice and we thank you for your understanding. We will schedule this or another program at our August 15th, 2023 regular monthly meeting.

Thank you for your understanding.

Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed_layout' of non-object
" data-ad-slot="
Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'infeed' of non-object
">

Address

10 Depot Street
Merrimack, NH
03054

Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'bottom' of non-object
" data-full-width-responsive="true">

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Merrimack Historical Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Merrimack Historical Society:

Videos

Share

Undefined property: Phalcon\Config::$details
Trying to get property 'right' of non-object
" data-full-width-responsive="true">

Other Merrimack government services

Show All