Merrimack Valley offers a view into state's past at historic homes and sites

Abbot-Spalding House Museum

1 Nashville Street Nashua, NH 03060 Phone: 603-883-0015

Open: April-November, some Saturdays and by appointment

Built in 1804, this museum offers exhibits of early 19th century household items and furniture. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Chester Village Cemetery

Routes 102 and 121 Chester, NH Phone: 603-887-3951

This cemetery is full of interesting and unusual monuments, most of which date from the 18th century. It is one of only two New Hampshire cemetaries that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Florence Hyde Speare Memorial Building

5 Abbot Street Nashua, NH Phone: 603-883-5336

This building houses 8 galleries of historic items and artwork, as well as a library full of historic documents and a meeting room.

Hannah Duston Memorial Historic Site

Exit 17 off I-93 Boscawen, NH

This monument commemorates the historic actions of Hannah Duston, a young woman who courageously fought off an attack by Indians in 1697. Eventually she was captured.

Manchester Historic Association & Millyard Museum

129 Amherst Street Manchester, NH Phone: 603-622-7531

Exhibits and programs which feature the history of Manchester's society and industry. A research library is open to the public. Open year-round.

Mary Baker Eddy Historic House

62 North State Street Concord, NH Phone: 617-277-8943

The founder of the Christian Science Church, Mary Baker Eddy lived at this site from 1889 - 1892.

Museum of New Hampshire History

6 Eagle Square Concord, NH 03301 Phone: 603-228-6688

Open: Tuesday- Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; July-October 15 and all of December, additional hours on Monday, 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Interactive and detailed museum exhibits tell visitors about the history of the Granite State, its indigenous peoples, and colonial settlers. The museum has a store. Cost: Adults, $5.50; seniors, $4.50; children age 6-18, $3.

New Hampshire Antiquarian Society

300 Main Street Hopkinton, NH Phone: 603-746-3825

Exhibits focus on the history of Hopkinton and New Hampshire. Admission is free.

New Hampshire State House and Visitor's Center

107 North Main Street Concord, NH Phone: 603-271-2154

Tour the complex and learn about the activities, function and history of New Hampshire's government. Self-guided and guided tours by reservation are available.

Robert Frost Farm Historic Site

Route 28 Derry, NH Phone: 603-432-3091

This National Historic Landmark was the home of poet Robert Frost from 1901 to 1909. Open mid-June to Labor Day.