In the autumn of 1958 a loose knit group of artists gathered on Central Square in Keene to exhibit their artwork. The city of Keene provided wooden snow fencing around the common on which to display the paintings. The small group of artists who hung their works from the wooden slats of the fence that day began a tradition of local artists sharing their work with the community. This first "Art Festival", as they called it, was repeated and in 1963 the loose knit group was formally organized as the Keene Art Association.

Today the Association is a thriving non-profit organization with more than 150 members from Cheshire County and beyond. The group has a strong community orientation and offers speakers, demonstrations, workshops, plein-air painting groups, scholarships, and a quarterly newsletter. The Association is best know, however, for its member exhibits. They exhibit bi-monthly at the Colony Mill Marketplace and exhibit at other locations around the city. The original 1958 Art Festival has grown into the popular "Art in the Park" public outdoor art show held annually on Labor Day weekend in the Ashuelot River Park.

The Keene Art Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2008 and the Historical Society is collaborating on the celebration. An anniversary exhibit entitled "A Monadnock Palette - 50 Years of Community Art" will be on display in the Historical Society exhibit hall from May 31 through August 22, 2008. The juried exhibit will feature dozens of works of recent art by Art Association members depicting subject matter relating to the history of the Monadnock Region. The two organizations will offer several events throughout the summer in connection with the exhibition, including paintings events and demonstrations.

The Society is delighted to collaborate and to host this exhibit. "A Monadnock Palette" promises to be a wonderful celebration of the Art Association and of the history of the region. A special opening reception for Historical Society and Art Association members will be held on Friday evening May 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. We hope our members will plan to attend to view the art, meet the artists and enjoy this exciting exhibition.

April Program and Annual Membership Meeting to Feature Living History Presentation
Monday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

The Historical Society of Cheshire County's annual meeting will be on Monday April 28th beginning at 7:00 p.m. After a brief membership meeting, Sharon Wood will present a living history performance portraying Betsey Phelps, the mother of a Union soldier from Amherst, New Hampshire who died heroically at the Battle of Gettysburg. Wood's performance entitled "A Soldier's Mother Tells Her Story," will tell stories of New Hampshire soldiers who fought in the war and their families who waited for them to return. These stories, from letters sent to and from soldiers, weaves a dramatic story of life during the Civil War.

Sharon Wood is from Claremont and is a professional storyteller specializing in world folklore and American history. She also portrays Sarah Josepha Hale, the distinguished editor of Godey's Lady's Book who was born in Newport, New Hampshire and Mary Todd Lincoln with her husband Steve Wood as the President Lincoln. Sharon and Steve are members of the Association of Lincoln Presenters (ALP), the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling (LANES), and the Upper Valley Story Circle. Sharon is the founder of Story Fest, a festival of storytelling, at the Fiske Free Library in Claremont, where she works as the Technical Services Librarian.

In association with the annual meeting program, HSCC will exhibit portions of two important Civil War collections that have been donated to the Society in recent months. The Dr. George Twitchell Collection contains artifacts and papers preserved by the family of this Keene doctor who served as a surgeon for the 13th New Hampshire Regiment of Volunteers and later as surgeon-in-chief of the 6th and 7th divisions of the 17th Army Corps under General Grant. The collection contains, among other items, his Civil War uniform, accessories, and military papers. The second collection is the Francis Lord New Hampshire Civil War Collection. It contains the New Hampshire photographs and documents collected by this well known Civil War historian. Dr. Lord focused his collecting specifically on the 14th Regiment because his ancestor served in this regiment during the war.

This program is made possible by the generosity of a grant by the New Hampshire Humanities Council and the Connecticut River Bank.

Susan Landers Gilbert, President
Richard Church, V. President
Barbara Woodward, Treasurer

Trustees
Verne Greene, John W. Harris, Carl B. Jacobs, Cornelia Jenness, Gregory Knouff, Sean O'Mara, David Proper, David Putnam, Jr., Jane Reynolds, Anthony Tremblay, Robert Weekes, Christine Weeks, Gail Zachariah

A Legacy for the Next Generation

It is the mission of the Historical Society to collect, preserve, and share the history of Cheshire County. To do this, we work hard to make sure that our history will be available to future generations.

The Society would like to honor individuals who have helped or have made plans to continue our work through a gift through their wills, trusts, retirement or other estate plans. Individuals who notify us of a bequest or planned gift will be recognized with membership in our Legacy Society, and individuals who notify us of such gifts in 2008 will be inaugural members of this honorary society. Legacy Society members demonstrate exceptional commitment to the mission of the Historical Society of Cheshire County and to ensuring the long-term financial strength of the organization, and their actions inspire others to consider this type of support.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Alan Rumrill, Executive Director, or Julie Dickson, Director of Operations, at the Historical Society office.

Volunteer Opportunity at the Wyman Tavern

The Historical Society seeks volunteers to help withinterpretive programs and operations at our wonderful Tavern. Volunteer duties may include being part of a team that gives spring and fall programs to school groups; assisting in the summer operations, children's summer programs, and interpretive tours; and dressing up in period costume. If you have an interest in volunteering in a fun and rewardinghistoric environment, please contact Julie Dickson at 352-1895 or email Julie Dickson, Director of Operations

Society Joins NHAIS

The Historical Society recently joined the New Hampshire State Library's New Hampshire Automated Information System (NHAIS) as the first step in a project to reclassify and computerize our research library catalog. This will allow the Society to use the statewide system to more easily computerize our catalog and to share information about our holdings through the automated system. Improved access to our collections is a central element of the Society's new strategic plan. Our registration as a NHAIS member will greatly enhance the efficiency of this project to share our collections with a wider audience.

Taking the Finlay Membership Challenge

This year, the Historical Society of Cheshire County is undertaking a major membership initiative. We have accepted the Robert & Karin Finlay Foundation challenge - a competition with other historical societies, libraries and museums in New Hampshire to increase membership. The winner in each of these three categories, determined by a formula that includes both the total number of new members and the percentage increase in membership, will receive $25,000 from the Finlay Foundation. The Finlays have undertaken this initiative "…to energize the cultural workforce and spark new interest and ideas to raise awareness of these facilities" in the belief the great importance of our cultural institutions in preparing the next generation of leaders.

Last year, HSCC changed its membership calendar from a rolling membership year, with membership renewals due in on the anniversary of first joining, to a single membership year - June 1 to May 30. This more closely lines the membership up with the annual meeting and the program year and allows the Society to better manage its membership records.

This year, all members will be asked to renew on June 1. When you receive your membership renewal request in May, please help us out by returning it promptly and considering others we might ask to join our distinguished membership. The Historical Society depends on membership dues and donations to sustain its work of collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Cheshire County. This year, membership counts more than ever!

Technology and Invention Camp

Twice in the past two months, HSCC was filled with children and their intense creative energy. In conjunction with the Precision Manufacturing exhibit, HSCC hosted two day-long camps for children in grades 3 to 8. These successful camps gave 28 children an opportunity to engage in the design technology process by creating functional items and games using a wide array of materials and to tour Sunset Tool, a local precision manufacturing firm. HSCC wishes to thank our program sponsors for helping make these camps possible, Warwick Mills, Hicks Machine, Inc., and Sunset Tool. Camp participants designing and building book holders for the HSCC Museum Store out of newspaper only.

Transportation Fund

In partnership with the Horatio Colony House Museum, HSCC has established a Transportation Fund that covers the cost of a school bus so students throughout Cheshire County can visit our facilities for a quality museum experience. With the help of area businesses, individuals, and civic groups the Transportation Fund has transported students from Keene, Chesterfield, Marlow, Hinsdale, Winchester, Swanzey, Stoddard, Westmoreland, and Surry to our museums. If you would like to make a contribution to this year's Transportation Fund, please contact Tom Haynes at 352-1895 or email.

Abenaki Lifeways Camp

During spring school vacation week, April 21st through the 25th, HSCC will host a week-long camp for children that will explore the traditional lifeways of the region's Abenaki people. Their lives revolved around the seasonal cycles of hunting, gathering, fishing, and planting gardens to provide needed food, shelter, tools, and clothing. The camp will explore these seasonal lifeways with a variety of activities that will include creating a miniature village and a life size shelter, cooking, basket making, storytelling, and tool making. The camp will also examine the long history of the Abenaki in the Monadnock region and the many myths, biases, and erroneous information that have surrounded this diverse cultural group.

Laurel Powell, long time Chesterfield and Hinsdale teacher, will be teaching this week-long camp from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The camp is open to all students in grades 3 to 8 and limited to 15 children. Cost is $50 to HSCC members and $100 to non-members. Registration is required. Each participant needs to bring their lunch, drink, and snack for each day. To register or for further information, please contact at 352-1895 or email. This camp is sponsored by the generosity of the Savings Bank of Walpole.

5th Annual Red Sox Trip Fundraiser

We have filled the bus once again to watch this year's Red Sox defend their championship. We wish to thank everyone who will be attending this game and their support for the educational programs at HSCC.

Civil War Teacher Workshop

This year's June teacher workshop will be on the Civil War and Reconstruction. This three-day workshop is designed for all educators who wish to expand their understanding of how people from the Monadnock region lived and responded to a divided nation, war, and reconstruction from 1860 through 1877. The workshop will be held at HSCC on June 24-26 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register or for further information, please contact HSCC at 352-1895 or email or visit the HSCC web site at http://www.hsccnh.org/education/workshops.cfm. This teacher workshop is sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council, The Keene Sentinel, and the Ashuelot Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Peabody Essex Museum Bus Trip

There is still room on the bus to thePeaabody Essex Museum on Friday, April 25 (school vacation week). Since our last trip, the Peabody Essex Museum has completed a $100 million renovation and expansion, including the erection of the Yin u Tang House, a late Quing dynast merchant's house from southeast China.

Established in 1799, the museum's founders were among America's first global entrepreneurs, traveling the world in search of trade and collecting exceptional pieces of art, photographs, and significant artifacts. The museum holds major collections of Asian art and nineteenth-century Asian photography, along with the earliest collections of Native American and Oceanic art. The historic houses and gardens, American decorative art, and maritime art collections provide an unrivaled spectrum of New England's heritage over 300 years. To learn more about the Peabody Essex, you can visit their web site at www.pem.org.

The bus will leave HSCC at 7:30 a.m. on April 25 to arrive in Salem, MA about 10:00 a.m. We will depart for Keene at 4:00 p.m., arriving about 6:00 p.m. The cost formembers, which includes transportation and entrance fee, is $40.00 for adults and $38.00 for sensior, $36.00 for students 17 years and older, and $25.00 for youth 16 years and younger. For non-members, please add an additional $5.00. To register or for further information, please contact HSCC at 352-1895 or email.

Summer Bus Trip to Boston

Looking for an opportunity to conduct genealogical research all day at one or more facilities in Boston? Looking to have a day to explore downtown Boston to visit historic sites and museums, partake in a National Park led historic walking tour, or to enjoy the many shopping opportunities? If so, please join us on Wednesday July 16th for our third annual summer Boston bus trip.

The bus will leave HSCC at 6:45 a.m. and will stop at the National Archives Regional Office in Waltham, downtown Boston at the New England Historic and Genealogical Society on Newbury Street and the nearby Boston Public Library, and then on to the J.F.K. Library and Massachusetts Archives at Columbia Point. The bus will leave Boston about 5:00 p.m. and return to Keene about 7:30 p.m. The cost for HSCC members is $27.00 and $32.00 for non-members. To make this trip possible, we need at least 40 people to participate, so please let others know about this inexpensive way to visit Boston for a day of research and fun. To sign up for this trip or for further information, please contact HSCC at 352-1895 or hscc@nsccnh.org.

DAR Genealogical Workshop

HSCC and the Ashuelot Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will host a free genealogical workshop at HSCC on Saturday May 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. This free workshop is for anyone who is interested in genealogy. Participants will learn how to start and conduct their research, learn more about the DAR, and what genealogical resources are available at HSCC and in the region. Presenters will include Jean and Peter Jeffries, Verne Greene, Marilyn Holmquist, and Tom Haynes. To register and for further information, please contact Verne Greene at 352-1073 or Tom Haynes at 352-1845 or hscc@nsccnh.org.

Wyman Tavern News

The Wyman Tavern Museum will open for another full season of programs and activities. One of Keene's most historic structures will open for tours by appointment beginning on April 29th. Spring school group tours will begin on May 6th. The Tavern's summer season begins on June 5th and will be open Thursday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and by appointment through August 30th.

Roundtable Forum News

The next Monadnock Historical Societies Forum roundtable meeting will be on Thursday June 19th at the Old Gilsum Town Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Gilsum Historical Society will host this meeting that will include our traditional roundtable gathering, continued discussion of our next collaborative project on Education and Schools in Cheshire County, and a tour of historic places in Gilsum.

HSCC Goes Green!

The Society is very conscious of the paper and other resources used to communicate with our members. One way that we can conserve is to communicate with members about upcoming events and opportunities through email. We currently have email addresses for about a third of our members and volunteers. If you haven't been getting email from the Historical Society and would like to be added to our email list, please send an email to Julie Dickson, Director of Operations

Donations of Books Needed for 8th Annual Used Book Sale

The Historical Society will hold its eighth annual used book sale on May 9 and 10, 2008. For the eighth year in a row a local book dealer has made a generous contribution of used books for our fund raising event. The Society is once again encouraging members and friends to donate additional volumes to supplement those already contributed for the sale.

We are hoping to receive gifts of saleable hardcover nonfiction books to add to the selection available for sale. Topics such as history, antiques, architecture, travel, nature, biography, or similar subjects would be appropriate for this sale. Recent hardcover fiction is also popular, but we are not seeking mass market paperbacks, older fiction, textbooks, or damaged items. This will generally be a "$1.00 per book" sale, but we also have an attractive selection of higher priced items in the fields of history, literature and other categories.

Do you have overflowing bookshelves and wish to help support the activities of the Historical Society? We would be delighted to receive your books. They should be delivered to the Society by May 7th. Pick up of items may also be possible. Please call 352-1895 if you are unsure if your books are appropriate for this sale or for additional information.

2008 Sponsors

The Historical Society of Cheshire County warmly thanks those individuals and organizations that step forward to support exhibits and educational programs. 2008 Sponsors to date include:

Ashuelot Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
Ashuelot Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution
Connecticut River Bank
Fenton Family Dealerships Hicks Machine, Inc.
Keene Sentinel
Monadnock Fine Arts Gallery

Calendar of Events

For further information, call 603-352-1895 or visit www.hsccnh.org.

Mon. - Fri., April 21 - 25
Abenaki Lifeways Camp, HSCC 8:30 am to 3 p.m.

Friday, April 25
HSCC Trip to Peabody Essex Museum, depart 7:30 a.m.

Monday, April 28
HSCC Membership Meeting and Civil War Living History Presentation, HSCC, 7 p.m.

Friday, May 30
Exhibit Opening Reception, Monadnock Palette: Celebrating 50 Years of Community Art HSCC, 4 p.m.

Sat., May 3
DAR Genealogy Workshop, HSCC, 9 a.m. - noon

Fri. - Sat., May 9-10
HSCC Book Sale

Wed., May 14
Teacher Research Night, HSCC from 4 to 8 p.m.

Wed., June 4
HSCC trip to Fenway Park

Sat., June 7 and Sat. June 21
Artist Painting Days, HSCC, 10 am

Thurs., June 19
Monadnock Historical Societies Forum Meeting, Gilsum Historical Society, 9:30 a.m.

Weds. - Fri., June 25 - 27
Civil War Teachers' Workshop, HSCC, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Wed., July 16
HSCC Research Trip to Boston, Depart at 6:45 a.m.