Children's Camps

Currently, HSCC has three camps scheduled for 2012, a day-long detective camp in January and two week-long camps in July/August at the Wyman Tavern. More camps may be offered, so please return to this webpage for new listings. For further information, please contact Tom Haynes by email or call 352-1895.

Martin Ahern went missing in March of 1869 as announced by the New Hampshire Sentinel. Although his body was discovered a month later, his disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his death have remained an unsolved mystery. A recent discovery of some older documents in the Historical Society's archive about Ahern and some stolen bonds has shed new light onto this case. HSCC would like to solve this mystery, and seeks detectives who are willing to review the evidence and use good detective investigative skills to unravel the clues to finally solve the case of Martin Ahern's disappearance and to perhaps locate the stolen bonds.

Tom Haynes, HSCC's Director of Education, will be the chief detective for this day-long camp. It is open to all detectives in grades 4 through 8. The camp will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the cost for a day of investigation and snooping around is $25 for HSCC members and $35 for non-members and is limited to 12 children. Each participant needs to bring their lunch, drink, and snacks for the day, along with warm outside winter detective clothing. Trench coat not required!

Registration and prepayment is required. To register or for further information, please contact HSCC by email or at 352-1895. The Historical Society is located at 246 Main Street in Keene.

American's War for Independence was an exciting time in Cheshire County. Have you ever wondered what it was like for children? Both five-day camps will simulate what children did during this time period in American history. When Captain Isaac Wyman built and opened his tavern on Main Street in Keene in 1762, children contributed greatly to the running of the tavern. Each camper will become one of Sarah and Isaac Wyman's eleven children, and will learn, work, and play as if living during the Revolutionary war.

Campers will learn and experience what it took to serve and comfort tavern guests; to take on daily chores to help run the tavern using traditional tools and skills; learn to make necessary items for use in the tavern or by the family, such as candles and clothing; children will barter for food and prepare a meal using a Dutch oven for tavern guests; visit with local residents to hear news about the war; and play games when time allows. The camp will culminate with an opportunity to teach other children about life for kids during the revolution during our Friday Afternoon at the Tavern program.

Teacher Laurel Powell and HSCC's Tom Haynes will lead both camps. Children in grades 3 to 8 are welcome to participate. Cost for each five day camp is $130 for HSCC members and $150 for non-members and limited to 12 children. Each camper needs to bring their snack, lunch, and drink for each day. Registration and prepayment is required. To register or for further information, please contact HSCC at 352-1895 or hscc@hsccnh.org. The Wyman Tavern is located at 399 Main Street in Keene.