Museums In The Lake Winnipesaukee Area"Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." ~ Seneca Museums in the Lake Winnipesaukee area are a fun and entertaining way to learn about history and art as well as every day life in the past. Some are more interesting than others depending on what aspect you're into. This past year, I traveled to a number of these places with my daughter's class. I found many of them fascinating because I learned how every day life was in that particular era. Some of them have a hands on approach which really gives you an idea of what it was like back then. Others get you involved in trying experiments or playing games to learn about how things have evolved. And then there are historical places where you just look at things and see how they differ from what they are today. Because there are so many different tastes, I've included a list of various types of exhibits including history, art and science around the Lake Winnipesaukee area. Some are a little further and when I come across additional ones, I'll add them in the future. So have fun checking these places out!
Lake Winnipesaukee Museum 503 Endicott St., Route 3 Laconia, NH 603-366-5950 This property is a historic landmark. It show how culture changed the way Americans spend their summer vacations on Lake Winnipesaukee. Open year round: Tues - Sat 10:00am - 2:00pm Wright Museum 77 Center St. Wolfeboro, NH 603-569-1212 The featured exhibits focuses on WWII. You'll find a home front gallery and theater, a visitor's center and a military section that has exhibits on all branches of the military service. There is so much to see and learn. Open: May - Oct Mon - Sat 10:00am - 4:00pm Sun 12:00pm - 4:00pm
NH Boat Museum 395 Center Street Wolfeboro, NH 603-569-4554
Learn about the lakes region's boating and how it played in the growth of the Lake Winnipesaukee area. You'll find United States maritime history with a focus on the lakes region. It features many examples of vintage mahogany and antique boats. Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day: Mon - Sat 10:00am - 4:00pm Sun 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Historic Belknap Mill 25 Beacon St. East Laconia, NH 603-524-8813 The Belknap Mill is the only building left that represents the Industrial Revolution. Come and visit the industrial knitting museum and check out the gift shop. Open all year: Mon - Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm
288 Shaker Rd. Canterbury, NH 603-783-9511 Canterbury Shaker Village showcases how the Shakers lived in the past. It features original Shaker buildings, guided tours, crafts, demonstrations and more. Open Daily May - Oct: 10:00am - 5:00pm Nov - Open on Fri, Sat, Sun: 10:00am - 4:00pm Wolfeboro Historical Society 337 S. Main St. Wolfeboro, NH 603-569-4997 The Wolfeboro Historical Society features three historic buildings in the downtown Wolfeboro area on Lake Winnipesaukee. These include the Clark House, Firehouse and Schoolhouse. Open Jul and Aug: Wed - Sat: 10:00am - 4:00pm Sun: 10:00am - 2:00pm Tuftonboro Historical Society Route 109 Melvin Village 603-544-7225 The Tuftonboro Historical Society features local history on Lake Winnipesaukee. Open Jul-Aug: Mon - Fri: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
6 Eagle Square Concord, NH 603-228-6688 You'll find interactive activities featured about the history of New Hampshire's traditions and colonial settlers. There are a variety of programs for the whole family. Open all year: Tues - Sat: 9:30am - 5:00pm Sun: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Additional hours on Mondays (9:30am - 5:00pm) July - Oct and Dec. Christa McAuliffe Planetarium 3 Institute Dr. Concord, NH 603-271-7827 The planetarium is a memorial for Christa McAuliffe, America's first private citizen in space. You can view shows about space while seated in the domed theater. Hands on exhibits as well as special programs and sky watches are available. Open: Mon - Wed: 10:00am - 2:00pm Thurs: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sat - Sun: 11:30am - 5:00pm Strawbery Banke 68 Marcy St. Portsmouth 603-433-1100 Visitors have the opportunity to experience and imagine how people lived and worked throughout the centuries. The actual community has been preserved so the visitor can get a feel for what it was like. Strawbery Banke holds many events. Beginning in May you can take self-guided tours, 4th of July celebration, Ghosts on the Banke Halloween celebration and the guided Holiday House tours with a candlelight stroll. Open: May - Oct: Mon - Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sun: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Nov - Apr: (Guided tours only) Thurs - Sat: 10:00am - 2:00pm Sun: 12:00pm - 2:00pm Closed 1st two weekends in Dec. and Jan. Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum Kearsarge Mountain Warner, NH 603-456-3244 Come and see exhibits on native American culture and history. You'll find a gift shop, guided tours and different programs. Open: May - Nov Mon - Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sun: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Nov and Dec open Sat and Sun only The Fort at No.4 Living History Museum 267- Springfield Rd. (rte 11) Charlestown, NH 603-826-5700 Experience Charlestown in the 1740s. This is an authentic reconstruction settlement. You'll find hearth cooking demonstrations, military drills, children's games and more. Open: Jun -Oct Wed - Sun: 10:00am - 4:30:pm
New England Ski Museum Exit 34B, I-93/Franconia Notch Parking Franconia, NH 603-823-7177 Whether you're up enjoying the mountains in the warm months or skiing for the day, stop in to see the ski museum. It features antique ski equipment and vintage ski films. Open Daily: Memorial Day - March: 10:00am - 5:00pm See Science Center 200 Bedford St. Manchester, NH 603-669-0400 Enjoy a hands on science center with about 100 exhibits where visitors can do the actual experiment. This is a fun time for the whole family. Open Daily: Mon - Fri: 10:00am - 4:00pm Sat - Sun: 10:00am - 5:00pm The Children's Museum 6 Washington St. Dover, NH 603-436-3853 A fun time for children of all ages. Enjoy the hands on exhibits in art and science. You'll find a dinosaur dig, music room, submarine play area as well as developmental toys. Open: Tues - Sat: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sun: 1:00pm - 5:00pm Mount Washington Museum At the Summit of Mt. Washington North Conway, NH 603-356-2137 Learn about the weather on Mt. Washington, which is one of the worst in the world and the reasons why it's so severe. This museum features a weather discover room, geological history , rock strata, continental ice sheets and more. Open Daily: May - Mid Oct: 9:00am - 6:00pm (weather permitting) Currier Gallery of Art 201 Myrtle Way Manchester, NH 603-669-6144 This art gallery exhibits European and American Art from the 13th century to the present. Open Daily For Public Tours: 12:30pm - 1:30pm and 2:00pm - 3:00pm There are many more museums around the Lake Winnipesaukee area. Some are small and can be contacted through the various town historical societies. Other places on my day trips are also a type of museum. You can find historical facts at many of these places. If you think I should add some to my list use the contact us form to let me know. Have fun! |
