We are a seasonal organization dedicated to preserving our town’s history, providing educational experiences and informative programs to the public, collecting artifacts and maintaining our museum, and providing an avenue for research.
On August 28, 1961, the first meeting of the Holderness Historical Society was held at the home of Susan Bacon Keith. Through the next years meetings were held in private homes, the Community Church and the firehouse. When the New Hampshire Baptist Convention declared the North Holderness Church defunct the Historical Society purchased the building and had it moved from Perch Pond Road to Curry Place in 1994.
**See selected Holderness records under Archives
Museum Hours
Open Saturdays 10 a.m. – Noon
June 7 – September 13, 2025
Or by appointment. Contact holdernesshistsoc@yahoo.com or call M. Mason 603-968-3334.
2025 Summer Programs
June 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
*** Who Was John Stark?
Presented by George Morrison
While many are familiar with the state motto “live free or die,” few might know about the man, General John Stark, who uttered thse words. In this presentation, George Morrison reveals the man- a ransomed captive, Ranger officer, road-builder, lumberman, husband and father, repeatedly called -on to serve but often clashing with authority – whose phrase has become synonymous with our state.
July 23, 2025 at 7:30 PM
*** Range the Woods Over: Loggers’ Songs and Stories
Presented by Jeff Warner
Loggers at the turn of the twentieth century cut the timber that built and warmed our houses and provided ties for America’s ever-expanding railroads. Timber established Portsmouth, Portland and Bangor as important ports, sending New England lumber around the world. Folklorist Jeff Warner relates the songs and stories of the people who worked the wintery woods, showing their humor and their grit, and giving us a glimpse into everyday life in long ago lumber camps.
***Sponsored by New Hampshire Humanities
See Squam Postcard Collection Courtesy of Peter Francesco
We thank local realtor and selectman Peter Francesco for sharing his extensive Squam postcard collection.
Doing genealogical research? For the local cemetery information see site maintained by member Carl Sheperd, website.