Events and Programs
Merrimack Historical Society Meeting Agenda – February 17th, 2026
!! 4th Grade Field Trips will begin at #12 Schoolhouse in April!!
!! The YANKEE BRASS BAND is coming in July !!
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public:
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
Short Business meeting:
Quick break.
7:00 PM Evening Presentation: State House Video Tour
Program: Take a video tour of the New Hampshire State House in Concord. If you have never been to New Hampshire’s state capital building in New Hampshire, this tour will guide you inside the building, showcasing the Hall of Flags, the House of Representative chamber, the Senate chamber and the Executive Council room. All are welcome.
Saturday December 20th, 2:00pm-4:00pm
The Merrimack Historical Society has been invited to attend the Merrimack High School’s 2025 Winter Concert on December 20th. Stop by our table and say hi!
Merrimack High School’s 2025 Winter Concert appears to be “A Very Merry Mishmash,” a community event organized by the Merrimack Concert Association (MCA) on Saturday, December 20, 2025, featuring performances by the MCA Band and Chorus, with tickets available on the MCA website. It’s a festive show with movie themes, raffles, and concessions, happening right at the high school.
Key Details:
- Event: A Very Merry Mishmash Concert (MCA Winter Concert).
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025.
- Time: (Check MCA for exact time, usually evening).
- Location: Merrimack High School (38 McElwain St, Merrimack, NH).
- Performers: Merrimack Concert Association Band & Chorus.
- Tickets: Purchase via the Merrimack Concert Association website (merrimackconcert.org/tickets).
How to Find More Info:
- MCA Website: merrimackconcert.org for details.
- Facebook: Search for “Merrimack Concert Association” events.
It’s that time of year again, we have decided to have our Christmas Dinner at the Longhorn Restaurant in Amherst, for a lunch celebration.
December 9, 2025 – Lunch 12:00 noonThe Longhorn Restaurant
124 NH 101A (by the Lowes/Staple Mall area) https://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/locations/nh/amherst/amherst/5278
Amherst, NH 03031
Tel: (603) 579-6975
The Menu: You can order off the full menu entrees that ranges for Lunch from $9.99 to $18. Or dinner menu items from $15 to $35 per person.
Lunch Menu: https://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/menu/lunch/steakhouse-lunch-plates
Dinner Menu: https://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/menu/legendary-steaks-combos
Dessert Menu: https://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/menu/desserts
RSVP: Call – Barbara Watson, 603-424-2696 or email Geese130@aol.com
DEADLINE to respond: 12/05/2025
The Christmas luncheon will be taking place in lieu of a monthly meeting in December.
If you plan on attending, please contact Barbara Watson. This will give us a number of attendees to provide the Longhorn Restaurant so they can be prepared for our visit.
Thank you for your continuing support of the Merrimack Historical Society.
Date – 18 November 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the President’s Address and Historical Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 6:45 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
Quick break.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: John Porter
PROGRAM: “History of Agriculture as told by Barns”
Barns can tell us a great deal about the history of agriculture in New Hampshire. In the colonial period, New Hampshire was a rural, agrarian state and small subsistence farms dotted the landscape. An important part of these farmsteads was the barn, which housed animals and stored crops. Early barns used traditional building methods and followed the English barn style, with a low pitched roof and doors under the eaves. As time went on, the farms expanded to accommodate changes in agriculture. This presentation will follow the progression of barn styles that evolved to handle the increased productivity required to meet the needs of a growing population and respond to changes in society caused by the railroad and the Industrial Revolution. John C. Porter, author of Preserving Old Barns: Preventing the Loss of a Valuable Resource, will demonstrate how these majestic barn structures represent Yankee ingenuity, hard work, and skilled craftsmanship, as well as providing a link to our past that adds to the state’s scenic beauty.
BIO: John C. Porter was raised on a dairy farm in Lebanon, NH. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. Degree in Animal Science, and then went on to get a master’s degree from Cornell University in Animal Nutrition and Farm Management. In 2005, he earned a master’s degree in Education Administration from Bob Jones University. He served as a dairy specialist for the UNH Cooperative Extension from 1974 until his retirement in 2006. He still works part-time for UNH, specializing in structures and farmstead planning. In 2001, he co-authored the book Preserving Old Barns; in 2007, he was editor and contributing author of “The History and Economics of the New Hampshire Dairy Industry”; in 2011 was a contributing author of Crosscurrents of Change: Concord, NH in the 20th Century, an updated history of Concord, NH; and in 2019 he is publishing the new edition of Preserving Old Barns.
Date – 21 October 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the Vice-President’s Address by Chuck Mower and the VP’s Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 6:45 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
Quick break.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: David McNeil
PROGRAM: Modern Medicine (1840 and on)
This presentation will focus on examples of “crazy” medical devices and elixirs from the first half of the 20th century as well as some questionable procedures and experiments from that era
BIO: David graduated from UNH in 1969 with a degree in Sociology, then began his teaching career at Alvirne (Hudson, NH) in Social Studies in the Fall of 1971. Retired from Alvirne at the end of the 2003 school year.
In 1989, Dave received a master’s degree in education from Rivier College (now, university). In the 1980’s and 1990’s, he also taught evening classes in the field of education. After retirement, I joined the Rivier Institute for Senior Education (RISE), first, as a student, then as both a facilitator and a student.
Dave is currently still active at RISE in both roles.
Date – 16 September 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the Vice-President’s Address by Chuck Mower and the VP’s Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 6:45 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
Quick break.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: Carol Milton
PROGRAM: Historic Holman Stadium, Nashua, NH
This presentation will be about what made Holman Stadium in Nashua historic (Don Newcomb and Roy Campenella). Carol will present their history in the minor leagues and their time in Nashua.
BIO: Carol has lived in Merrimack for 43 years. Carol and her husband raised their two children in Merrimack. Carol is a graduate of Northeastern University, Boston MA.
Carol has worked in Nashua and Merrimack. Most of her career work has been centered around teaching. Although retired Carol still continues to substitute in the Merrimack school district.
Carol is also an active member of the Merrimack Historical Society. We are pleased to be able to have Carol present to us this month.
Date – 19 August 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the Vice-President’s Address by Chuck Mower and the VP’s Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 6:45 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
Quick break.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker – Mary Kronenwetter
PROGRAM: Corbins Animal Garden. In the late 1800s, the banking, railroad, and real estate mogul Austin Corbin returned to his hometown in Newport, New Hampshire. He built a grand estate and bought out his neighbors’ farms to create an 22,000 acre wildlife game preserve stocked with boar, bison, bighorn sheep, antelope, elk, Chinese pheasant, and other imported animals. The grounds eventually became a prestigious private hunting park and hosted illustrious guests including Theodore Roosevelt, the Prince of Wales, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Joe Dimaggio, Rudyard Kipling, and Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
This illustrated slideshow features archival images and a discussion of the complicated history and legacy of New Hampshire’s own American Gilded Age robber baron. The talk will also highlight the important legacy of the role the Corbin family and park naturalist Ernest Baynes played in the saving of the American bison from extinction.
BIO: Mary Kronenwetter holds a doctorate in educational research, policy, and administration and has held academic administration and teaching positions at colleges in the United States, China, and Japan. Upon returning to New England, she has worked at historical sites including Historic Deerfield, Enfield Shaker Museum, and The John Hay Estate at The Fells. Mary currently teaches for OSHER at Dartmouth and Adventures in Learning at Colby-Sawyer and has recently published the New Hampshire-based historical fiction, Pauper Auction.
https://www.nhhumanities.org/programs/2824/corbinrsquos-animal-garden
Date – 15 July 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the Vice-President’s Address by Chuck Mower and the VP’s Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 6:45 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
Quick break.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker – William ‘Bill’ Sousa (Roles of the President with the growth of the federal government from 1789 to 2025)
PROGRAM: Roles of the President with the growth of the federal government from 1789 to 2025. A presentation and lessen in Civics and Constitutional History throughout the history of the United States. Civics is defined as the study or science of the privileges and obligations of citizens. Civic education is the study of the theoretical, political and practical aspects of citizenship, as well as its rights and duties.
The question for the audience is what do you think about the power of the executive branch to shape domestic and foreign policy yesterday, today and in the future?
BIO: Bill Sousa served 4 years in the U.S. Air force 1963-1967, Taught Social Studies in NH for 39 years Grades 6-12 in the Merrimack Public Schools. After retiring Bill taught at Nashua Community College U.S History and Constitutional History. My wife and I live in Merrimack, NH. Currently I produce a show on Merrimack TV on citizenship ( Straight Taalking by the Bill of Rights Sousa).
Date – 26 June 2025 – HotDogZ for ALZ Merrimack Historical Society Booth on June 26th
10th annual Longest Day Alzheimer’s fundraiser. Since 2016, the Merrimack, NH community has raised over $80,000 to fight the darkness of ALZ. On Thursday June 26th, in the parking lot of the Our Lady of Mercy church, we gather to eat hot dogZ. 1200 people come together. 30 sponsors donate and we raise advocacy and awareness. Knights of Columbus, Merrimack Friends and Families, Rotary Club, Merrimack Town Manager and his staff.
16 Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack. Hours are 11am to 7pm with seating for 120 people. An express/pickup Drive Thru on School St. Rain or Shine.
The Merrimack Historical Society will be one of eight (8) vendors with booths at this 10th annual HotDogZ for ALZ event.
Come by the Merrimack Historical Society booth to say hi and meet with our representatives. Be sure to support the Longest Day Alzheimer’s fundraiser!
If you are interested in staffing our booth to meet folks from our community, there are some openings available. Booth hours are from 11:00 – 4:00pm. Go to https://volunteersignup.org/W7WEY? and sign up online. Thank you
Date – 17 June 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the Vice-President’s Address by Chuck Mower and the VP’s Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 6:45 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
7:00 PM Speaker: Erin Murray, “A Short History of Canal Boats on the Merrimack River“
PROGRAM: A Short History of Canal Boats on the Merrimack River at Merrimack NH,
including the First Showing of Erin’s original painting depicting canal boat life on the
Merrimack River.
BIO: Erin Murray, a senior who captained the Granite State Challenge team this
year and was on the team that won the title last year, 2024. This was the 3rd consecutive year
Merrimack High School Granite State Challenge team has won, and 5th time in the last 6 years.
Erin has also been selected for the New Hampshire Music Educators Association
All-State Festival two years running as a vocalist.
Erin took advantage of the Merrimack ELO (Extended Learning Opportunities)
program for this painting and presentation to the Merrimack Historical Society.
Erin will be attending the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in the fall!! Congrats Erin!
Date – 20 May 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the Vice-President’s Address by Chuck Mower and the VP’s Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 6:45 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
7:00 PM Speaker: Charles (Chuck) Mower, ““History Documentary – Secrets of the Lost Red Paint People“
Program: “History Documentary – Secrets of the Lost Red Paint People”
The “Secrets of the Lost Red Paint People” is a captivating and educational YouTube documentary that takes you on a journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding an ancient Native American culture known as the Red Paint People. This culture, which dates back to around 3,000 years ago, lived along the coast of New England and is known for their unique red painted pottery, which has been the subject of much
fascination and speculation for centuries.
The documentary is produced by a team of experts in archaeology and anthropology, who use cutting-edge technology and research techniques to delve deep into the history of the Red Paint People. The film showcases their extensive work, which involves analyzing the ancient pottery and other artifacts found at the sites, to uncover the cultural and societal context of this fascinating civilization.
Date – 26 April 2025
Blast from the Past Movie Afternoon! 🍿🎬
Hey Merrimack Families! Get ready for a movie matinee with the Merrimack Historical Society! We’re turning back the clock and showing a fun, family-friendly movie, ET, The Extra-Terrestrial.
Come join us for a relaxed afternoon where you can:
- Enjoy a classic movie perfect for all ages.
- Snack on yummy treats! (Popcorn, anyone?)
- Learn a little something about Merrimack’s history at the District #3 schoolhouse.
- Connect with other families in our community.
- Free Admission, Donations accepted.
It’s a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon and discover some local history without even realizing you’re learning! 😉
Date: April 26th Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm Location: District School #3, Merrimack Historical Society Building at 10 Depot Street Doors open: at 1:00pm. Playground available for the youngsters prior to the movie. Bring: Your family!
We can’t wait to see you there for an afternoon of movie magic!
For updates follow the Merrimack Historical Society on FaceBook athttps://www.facebook.com/merrimackhistory and website at https://merrimackhistory.com/
Date – 15 April 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the Vice-President’s Address by Chuck Mower and the VP’s Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 6:45 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: Jane Oneail, “Norman Rockwell: Inclusion, Exclusion & Representing America“
Program: “Norman Rockwell: Inclusion, Exclusion & Representing America“
Norman Rockwell is heralded for depicting and defining middle-class American life in the 20th century. In addition to painting funny and uplifting scenes, he often captured bittersweet images of people experiencing universal and relatable feelings of being left out or left behind. As an artist with this particular skill set, why are his works devoid of America’s rich cultural and racial diversity? Toward the end of his career, however, Rockwell painted several poignant works about race in America that can be seen as an extension of his earlier sense of the power of inclusion and exclusion. This enlightening program tracks Rockwell’s commitment to painting a more diverse America.
BIO: Jane Oneail (pronounced OH-neel) is the founder of Culturally Curious, an arts education consulting firm specializing in art appreciation programs. She curates and delivers programs throughout New England and beyond. Oneail holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Born and raised in NH, she has worked at some of the state’s most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as executive director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she was senior educator. Jane has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University.
She’s been telling stories in New England, especially New Hampshire, for many years. She hasn’t visited every town in the Granite State, but has found her way to most of them — speaking at libraries, schools, historical societies, church groups, and charitable organizations. She likes collecting stories because “they’re free and you don’t have to dust them.” Our stories are our identity. They hold our history, our culture, our heart.
Her books include N is for New Hampshire, an ABC book with photographs by Scott Snyder; The Iciest Diciest Scariest Sled Ride Ever!, a picture book illustrated by Jennifer Thermes; Headin’ for the Rhubarb, A NH Dictionary (well, kinda); and That Reminds Me of a Funny Story. Her new book, NH Trivia, will be available in the spring of 2024
https://www.nhhumanities.org/programs/teacher/58/jane-oneail
Date – 18 March 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the Vice-President’s Address by Chuck Mower and the VP’s Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 6:45 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: Rebecca Rule, “That Reminds Me of a Story”
Program: “That Reminds Me of a Story”
Stories speak to us of community. They hold our history and reflect our identity. Rebecca Rule has made it her mission over the last 20 years to collect stories of New Hampshire, especially those that reflect what’s special about this rocky old place. She’ll tell some of those stories – her favorites are the funny ones – and invite audience members to contribute a few stories of their own.
https://www.nhhumanities.org/programs/2693/that-reminds-me-of-a-story
BIO: Rebecca Rule hosts Our Hometown on NHPBS. Each program features a different New Hampshire town, its stories about what makes their town special told by its citizens.
She’s been telling stories in New England, especially New Hampshire, for many years. She hasn’t visited every town in the Granite State, but has found her way to most of them — speaking at libraries, schools, historical societies, church groups, and charitable organizations. She likes collecting stories because “they’re free and you don’t have to dust them.” Our stories are our identity. They hold our history, our culture, our heart.
Her books include N is for New Hampshire, an ABC book with photographs by Scott Snyder; The Iciest Diciest Scariest Sled Ride Ever!, a picture book illustrated by Jennifer Thermes; Headin’ for the Rhubarb, A NH Dictionary (well, kinda); and That Reminds Me of a Funny Story. Her new book, NH Trivia, will be available in the spring of 2024
Date – 18 February 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the Vice-President’s Address by Chuck Mower and the VP’s Tidbit by Chuck Mower.
The business portion of the evening will conclude by 6:45 PM and after a short break our evening program will start.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: Susan Fineman, “Country School: One Room-One Nation”
Program: “Country School: One Room-One Nation”, Video (71 minutes) and Follow-up Q&A
From immigration issues in early schools to the controversial demise of their widespread use in the 1950s and 1960s, “Country School” combines visually stunning images of a myriad of restored and decaying buildings–including one designed by Frank Lloyd Wright–with surprising, humorous and heartwarming stories from former teachers and students. More than just nostalgia, “Country School” also delves into the dark side of the one-room school experience and dispels the myths behind the revered institution that helped bind a young nation together.
Powerful on-camera commentary from a who’s who of one-room school historians and writers provides insight into lessons learned from the school days and school ways of yesteryear.
Multilingual classrooms, guns in school, and the pain of consolidation and closure remind us that the dramatic one-room school story continues to provide insight today.
Date – 21 January 2025
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the Vice-President’s Address by Chuck Mower 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 Speakers: Julie Akers and Doreen Bateson
Program: “PTA Kindergarten @ #3 Schoolhouse”
Julie and Doreen are two of the many educators who taught at the #3 Schoolhouse, currently home to the Merrimack Historical Society. They taught from 1998 – 2014 as educators in Room one (1) PTA Kindergarten here at School House #3. They will present us with a series of slides of the class room, share their class lessons and Special Activities they developed with the students, include quotes overheard from 5 year old
children. (That should be interesting!)
They will also relate some unusual happenings that occurred in School House #3.
Date – 19 November 2024
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
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: Elizabeth “Liz” Eagleston
Program: “So, You Want to Be an Archaeologist?” by Elizabeth “Liz” Eagleston
The exciting world of archaeology is the unattainable fantasy for many, or wait… is it? Fellow Merrimack Historical Society member Elizabeth Eagleston goes through how it all works, how her and other professionals perform the job, and her recent field school experience.
BIO: Elizabeth Eagleston – Bachelor’s in Anthropology from the University of New Hampshire.
Merrimack Knights of Columbus Fall Craft Fair
November 1-2, 2024
When: Friday, 5p-8p and Saturday 9a-30
Where: Mastricola Upper Elementary School, 26 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack NH
What: 40 crafters, including the Merrimack Historical Society.
The Merrimack Historical Society will be conducting a raffle for an annual household membership and/or renewal.
See you there!
Presentation. “King Phillip’s war: The war you were never taught about“ by Charles Mower
Date – 15 October 2024
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting including the President’s Address by John Lastowka.
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: Charles Mower
Program: “King Phillip’s war: The war you were never taught about” . Please join us in learning about King Phillip’s war against the pilgrims in
New England was on fire and Merrimack shares, in the human slaughter and the founding of our full community in the aftermath. It is the war you were never taught about.
BIO: Our own Charles Mower will be our guest speaker at the October meeting. Mr. Mower is the Merrimack Town Historian and has lectured throughout New England on a variety of Early American topics. He is a recognized authority on the Merrimack River history, including geomorphology and the Merrimack River canals to open the interior and Maritime Provinces. He is a master craftsman and an experienced traditional skills artist. He is a deep traveler, immortalized in the late David K. Leff publication “ Deep Travel ”. Mr. Mower is a retired technical education teacher.
Presentation. “Faberge Imperial East Eggs” by Marina Forbes
Date – 17 September 2024
6:00 PM Open Doors: Free and open to the Public: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
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: Marina Forbes
Program: “Faberge Imperial Easter Eggs” . This unique and beautifully illustrated presentation focuses on the life and remarkable work of master jeweler and artist, Peter Carl Fabergé. The program features a spectacular photo-tour of Fabergé collections at world-famous museums and from private collectors around the world. Emphasis is on the important role of egg painting in Slavic culture and on the unique development of this major art form from a traditional craft to the level of exquisite fine art under the patronage of the tsars. The fascinating history of these eggs and their role in the dramatic events of the last decades of Romanov rule in Russia and in the years following the Bolshevik Revolution will also be discussed.
BIO: Marina Forbes (MA Philology, University of St. Petersburg, Russia) is a lecturer, historian, Master iconographer and award-winning artist who has lectured extensively on traditional arts, history, and the rich tapestry of Russian culture. She is licensed with the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and is featured on the NH State Council on the Arts Rosters for Arts in Education and Traditional Arts.
Presentation: “Morality in the Movies” by David McNeil
Date- 20 August 2024
6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
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: David McNeil
Program: “Morality in the Movies” covers the period from the creation of the Hays Code ( which determined what could and could not be shown in movies) in the 1930’s up to more current times and the rating system employed today.
This presentation is about how American society’s standards of morality have changed over the years – not just Hollywood’s. The movies have just reflected that change.
Bio: David McNeil 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 Rivier 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 Rivier 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.
Merrimack Historical Society @ National Night Out on Tuesday August 6th. Abbie Griffin Park from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. The event provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
https://www.facebook.com/events/481968707867510
https://merrimackparksandrec.org/national-night-out-1
The Merrimack Historical Society has a booth in support of this event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Presentation: “New Hampshire’s Long Love-Hate Relationship With Its Agricultural Fairs” by Steven Taylor
Date- 16 July 2024
6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
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: Steven Taylor
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.
Presentation: The Shot Heard ‘Round the World by Ralph Gerenz.
Date: 18 June 2024
6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served.
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting. This is the Merrimack Historical Society’s Annual Meeting including election of officers. Then our guest speaker for the meeting will have the floor.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: 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.
JUNE 1, 2024. Merrimack Historical Society. 10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH 03054.
CSAA Plaque Revealing Ceremony – 10:00am. Doors open till 4:00pm
MERRIMACK SCHOOL HOUSES #3 and #12
PLACED ON THE CSAA NATIONAL SCHOOLHOUSE REGISTER
Please join us for a plaque revealing ceremony at the Merrimack Historical Society on Saturday June 01 at 10:00 AM.
Merrimack School House #3, located on 10 Depot Street, and Merrimack Schoolhouse #12, located at 520 Boston Post Road, were placed on the “Country School Association of America (CSAA) National Registry for their importance to America’s educational history, having met the criteria for inclusion on the National Schoolhouse Register.
A plaque revealing ceremony is scheduled for June 01, 2024, at 10:00 am at Schoolhouse #3, 10 Depot Street, Merrimack.
The Merrimack Historical Society submitted the nomination for both schools whose hallowed ground and sturdy walls provide a glimpse into our educational past. Merrimack is unique in that we have two existing schoolhouses that are still in use.
This will be a wonderful and historical event for our town, we’re hoping that all can make it.
The Society will be open till 4:00 pm for those that may have other committments earlier in the day. We look forward to seeing you there!
Presentation: Resurrecting Forest Grove, a documentary of restoring a vintage one-room school to its 1920s appearance. And how this may apply to Merrimacks Historic Schoolhouses.
Date: 21 May 2024
6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served.
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting. Then our guest speaker for the meeting will have the floor.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: Susan Fineman
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.
Presentation: British Redcoat Reenactment
Date: 16 April 2024
6:00 PM Open Doors: Beverages and refreshments served.
6:15 PM Pledge of Allegiance
There will be a short business meeting. Then our guest speaker for the meeting will have the floor.
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: Shawn Morrill
Shawn Morrill is a member of the Merrimack Historical Society and a reenactor of a
British Redcoat. He has been part of Redcoat reenactments for many years in and
around New England.
What goes into reenacting a British Redcoat? A brief history review of modern
reenacting, as well as a look at various redcoat uniforms, tactics, equipment, and
training. And as always, viewer hands-on demonstrations!
POSTED February 15, 2024
7:00 PM Guest Speaker: CANCELED – David McNeil, Speaker
Presentation: Women on the Home Front, WW II
Presenter: David McNeil, Educator Hudson, NH
When: February 20, 2024 (Tuesday) at 7:00 PM. Business meeting begins at 6:15 PM. Light refreshments will be served.
Where: Merrimack Historical Society, 10 Depot Street, Merrimack NH
Description: 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.
2023 Events
Events and programs that took place during 2023 can be found under the Monthly Meeting tab of this website. Major events outside the monthly meetings in 2023 that took place were the Merrimack Historical Society Open House on May 20th and 21st at 10 Depot Street facility, the Grand Opening of the Huntington Exchange Merrimack (formerly the Brookstone world headquarters on September 20th), and the Knights of Columbus Craft Fair on November 3rd and 4th. It is expected events and programs for 2024 will be posted to this page.
Future 2022-2023 Events
Per Lynda Tomasian, “In the following months we have selected a variety of topics and speakers which include Humanities presenters as Kevin Gardner, author of” The Granite State Kiss” to explain how and why New England came to acquire thousands of miles of stone walls. Alan Hoffman who studied Lafayette and Human Rights in support of abolition of slavery. Carrie Brown explores how working women shaped pre-WWII with her program of “Rosie’s Mom: Forgotten Women of the First World War.”
Presentation: Lafayette & Human Rights
Presenter: Alan Hoffman
When: November 15, 2022 (Tuesday) at 6:30 PM. Light refreshments.
Where: Merrimack Historical Society, 10 Depot Street, Merrimack NH
Merrimack Knights of Columbus Fall Craft Fair
November 4-5, 2022
When: Friday, 5p-8p and Saturday 9a-30
Where: Mastricola Upper Elementary School, 24 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack NH
What: 40 crafters, including the Merrimack Historical Society. Chinese Auction will be included.
Presentation: The Capital Crime of Witchcraft–What The Primary Sources Tell Us
Date: 18 October 2022
TIME:
Place: Merrimack Historical Society, 10 Depot Street, Merrimack NH
Description: In conjunction with the New Hampshire Humanities Council, the Merrimack Historical Society will host Margo Burns at our Oct.18th meeting. Ms. Burns is the 10th generation great-granddaughter of Rebecca Nurse who was hanged in Salem in 1692 on the charge of witchcraft. Ms. Burns will present .
On September 20, 2022 6:30PM to 8:30PM the Merrimack Historical Society will hold its regular business meeting at 10 Depot Street, Merrimack, NH. Our business meeting will begin at 6:30 to be followed by a presentation on the “Ultimate Vision”- how John Lastowka and Charles Mower take raw material, video and photos and create the To & Froe television programs series, unique to our community. Refreshments will be served, hosted by Bess Parks. We hope to see you this coming Tuesday.
NH Old Graveyard Association
2022 Fall Meeting
Saturday, September 17, 2022
9:00 AM Eastern Time.
Merrimack Historical Society, 10 Depot St. Merrimack. Meet at 9:00 for refreshments and informal chat. Business meeting and program start at 10:00. Please bring a brown bag lunch.
The Merrimack Historical Society and NHOGA Joint Meeting
When: Saturday September 17, 2022, from 9:00AM to Noon
Where: Merrimack Historical Society, 10 Depot Street, Merrimack NH
Details: This will be our first joint meeting with another organization and it will be held in our new building. MHS members are welcome to attend this joint meeting, seating is limited to 40 and can accommodate 15 standing for a total of 55 people. We have finished the “Graveyards of Merrimack” video and it will be shown on Zoom and to participants at this meeting. This will be the first public viewing of this video. After this meeting, it will be posted on Merrimack TV and YouTube for all to view. The video is 30 minutes long, it features Richard Maloon, Anita Creager, and the people who helped them to clean and repair the four graveyards in Merrimack.
Additional Info: There will be light refreshments, but be prepared to bring a lunch if you attend. If questions, contact: John.lastowka@outlook.com
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Publications and Social Media
NEWSLETTER (Quarterly):
The Merrimack Historical Society publishes a quarterly newsletter that is shared with all members. A few extra copies will be kept in the Society at 10 Depot Street in Merrimack, New Hampshire. If you are a member and have not received one recently, please contact us. Some of the older publications will be posted here.
Sample Newsletter: January-March 2022 MHS Newsletter (PDF)
SOCIAL MEDIA:
—The Merrimack Historical Society’s FaceBook page is active and interesting.
–We can be found on Youtube where the Society publishes a video series called “To and Froe” about Merrimack NH history. This series also appears on Merrimack TV.