Lakes region offers a view into state's past at historic homes and sites
Daniel Webster Birthplace
Route 127
Franklin, NH
Phone: 603-934-5057
This home, built in 1782, was the birthplace of Daniel Webster, one of the best-known and most important statesman of the 19th century. This house offers exhibits on Webster's life, as well as objects from the period.
Endicott Rock
Weir's Beach, off Route 3
Laconia, NH
In 1652, surveyors employed by Massachusetts Bay Colony Governor John Endicott signed their initials in this rock.
Governor John Wentworth Historic Site
Route 109
Wolfeboro, NH
Phone: 603-436-1552
Governor John Wentworth, one of the state's last colonial governors, made this estate his summer home.
Lake Winnipesaukee Museum
Route 3
Laconia, NH 03246
Open: year-round, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The museum property is a historic landmark and represents an era which changed the way Americans spent their summer vacations --- an example of the tradition of hospitality vital to the area’s history and economy since the 1800’s. The property was purchased in 1923 by David O’Shan, who first had a poultry farm on the site. The museum building is the original residence and the yellow cottages nearby are part of the original cabin colony. One of the buildings is from the former Shangrila Resort.
Mary Baker Eddy Historic Homes
Stinson Lake Road
Rumney, NH
Phone: 603-786-9943
The home of Christian Science Church founder, Mary Baker Eddy, from 1860 - 1862. Open May - October.
Museum of Childhood
2784 Wakefield Road
Wakefield Corner, NH 03872
Phone: 603-522-8073
Open: Late May-early September, Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
This museum specializes in the history of child life and children's items in New England. Exhibits feature thousands of dolls, sleds, a one-room school and more. Cost: Adults, $3; children under age 9, $1.25.
Route 125, Plummer’s Ridge
Milton, NH 03851
Phone: 603-652-7840
Open: April through October.
The Farm Museum consists of the historic Jones Farm and the Plummer Homestead. The properties consist of 50 acres of field and forest, a working farm, historic houses and barns, a blacksmith shop, a shoe shop and exhibits on agriculture and rural life. The museum hosts special events, programs, and workshops.
Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm
58 Cleveland Hill Road
Tamworth, NH 03886
Phone: 603-323-7591
Open: Year-round, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. except major holidays; summer hours are July 8–October 7, Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
The chores and traditions of agricultural and domestic life are presented in self-guided exhibits in the museum’s Visitor Center, as well as through interactive education programs and workshops. The Visitor Center houses father and son’s medical equipment. The animals and crops we raise are used in historic cooking programs. Seasonal activities like ice harvesting and maple sugaring are celebrated during special events. The Remick family’s Tamworth connection is preserved in a nearly intact collection of family artifacts in the Captain Enoch Remick House, Dr. Remick’s boyhood home, as well as painted wall murals from the early 19th century. Exhibits change with the seasons. Cost: Admission is free.
Sandwich Historical Society Museum
4 Maple Street
Center Sandwich, NH 03227
Phone: 603-284-6269
Open: For tours late June 24-early October 6, Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
This museum offers a barn and home built in 1850. Inside, exhibits trace the history of Sandwich from the 18th century. Of particular interest is the transportation exhibit.
Tuftonboro Historical Society Museum
Route 109
Melvin Village, NH 03850
Phone: 603-544-7225
Open: July – August, Monday-Friday, 2-4 p.m.
Exhibits in this museum focus on local history. Admission is free.
Whipple House Museum
4 Pleasant Street
Ashland, NH 03217
Phone: 603-968-7716
Open: July- Labor Day, Wednesdays and Saturdays,1-4 p.m.
This site was the home of Dr. George Hoyt Whipple, who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine. Inside visitors will find information about him, his family and the area. Museum exhibits include period rooms and local history displays.Of particular interest is the Glidden Toy Museum, which features over 1000 items. Cost: Admission is free.
Wolfeboro Historical Museum Complex
337 South Main Street
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
Phone: 603-569-4997
Open: July- August. Wednesday-Friday, 10am-4pm.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; tours by appointment spring and fall
A collection of historic exhibits and structures includes the Clark House (built in the 18th century), an 1805 schoolhouse, and a firehouse museum featuring antique machinery. There is an admission fee.
Wright Museum
77 Center Street
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
Phone: 603-569-1212
Open: May 1-October 30, Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4p.m.
A museum of history, focusing on the American home front during World War II (1939-1945). Exhibits feature information, memorabilia, costumes, vehicles, and more. There are three distinct buildings: the Home Front and theater, the two-story educational building or Visitor's Center and the military building which houses memorabilia from all branches of service from WWII including a large collection of military vehicles from this era. Cost: Adults, $6; seniors and veterans, $5; students, $3
Belknap Mill Society
The Mill Plaza
Laconia, NH
Phone: 603-524-8813
The oldest brick textile mill in the country, the Belknap is now home to exhibits on knitting and mill history. Live demonstrations are offered.
