Genealogy
Active files of personal research, reference questions, and family histories for many New Hampton families are maintained at the Gordon-Nash Library.
Photograph, Document, and Textile Preservation
Much of the memorabilia of the Society consists of photographs and snapshots as well as documents, such as licenses, tax receipts, and deeds. Also among the Society’s holdings are vintage textiles and clothing. The Curator and a dedicated group of volunteers have embarked upon a long-term effort to preserve these items and impressions. Recopied on acid-free paper and displayed in technologically appropriate binders, the photos and documents are available to the public and members for research and reference. The textiles and clothing are being catalogued, freshened, and wrapped in preservation materials.
Frederick “Fritz” Robbins Restrikes and Notecards
A limited number of restrikes of many etchings made by the popular artist, “Fritz” Robbins, are available from the Society and selected galleries and retail outlets. Using the original plates made in the 1920s and 1930s, printmaker Holly Kuske has successfully imitated Robbins’ style of printmaking. The restruck etchings are priced at a modest $100 each.
Packets of eight notecards featuring four of Robbins’ most popular scenes are also available.
Diary Transcriptions
Through the generosity of residents and members, notebooks, diaries, and other personal papers have been made available to the Society. Volunteers have undertaken an intensive program to transcribe and preserve these historical references. Access to the work, some of which is on-line, is available for research by contacting the Historian.
Youth and Student Memberships
The Society offers two membership categories for children: the Pauline Merrill Youth Membership and the Hope Swain Student Membership. The purpose of the Pauline Merrill Youth Membership is to interest and encourage young people to take an active part in the study and preservation of history; the Hope Swain Student Membership is offered to third and fourth graders who have visited the Society building and written a short composition pertaining to New Hampton history. The memberships honor sisters, both founding members of the Society. Pauline Merrill was a respected historian who wrote and collected much of the information currently in print on New Hampton. Her sister, Hope Swain, served the town as librarian and guided the Historical Society for many years.
The Traveling Trunk
As New Hampshire students are taught New Hampshire history during their fourth grade, the Society has worked cooperatively with local educators to bring history alive for young pupils. The “traveling trunk” contains items of an earlier age — pre-electric household appliances, 19th century country tools, period clothing — and each of the contents is explained by docents who engage the classes in a lively discussion.
