EXETER – Join the Exeter Historical Society on Tues., May 6 at 7:00 p.m., for cake and festivities in celebration of the Society’s 80th birthday! Carl Lindblade, of the University of New Hampshire’s Speakers Bureau, will present New Hampshire: A State of Mind, which will take a humorous romping look at New Hampshire from the time of King George II to the present. The program will take place at the Society’s headquarters, 47 Front Street, Exeter, and is free and open to the public.
The Exeter Historical Society was founded in 1928. The “Incorporators” met for the first time on January 11, 1928 at the home of Albertus T. Dudley, 14 Front St. The objectives of the new society were “the prosecution and promotion of historical, genealogical and antiquarian research; the collection and preservation of books, papers, maps and relics illustrating history or progress, in particular those relating to Exeter and vicinity; the publication from time to time of the results of such research; and the holding of such personal and real estate as may be desirable for the purpose of the society.” According to the meeting minutes, the original incorporators included the following:
Albertus T. Dudley (athletics and Latin instructor, Phillips Exeter Academy), Frances Perry Dudley, William Stearns Davis (author of historical novels), Alice Redfield Davis
Frances Moulton (town Librarian), Elizabeth Baker (teacher, Robinson Female Seminary), Wendell Burt Folsom (owner and operator of Exeter Brass Works), Elizabeth Knowles Folsom (co-owner of Exeter Brass Works and author of a local history), Norman McKendrick (history instructor Phillips Exeter Academy), Clara Dunham McKendrick, John Templeton (publisher, Exeter News-Letter), Henry A. Shute (judge, author of humorous novels about Exeter). The first meeting of the membership was held on March 27, 1928 at the vestry of the First Parish Congregational Church. Other early meeting places included the Exeter Inn, the Squamscott Hotel, and private homes (such as Dudley House, Folsom House, Moulton House). The Exeter News-Letter stated “The success of the society will depend on the support it receives. All who are interested in the subject of local history are urged to join the organization and help in its progress.” In keeping with this statement, the Society will be kicking off its membership drive for 2008-2009 at the birthday party, and will be offering special incentives for joining.
The Exeter Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and preservation of Exeter’s past. The Historical Society is open to the public on a weekly basis, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Exeter Historical Society is located at 47 Front Street. For more information, call or e-mail 603-778-2335, info@exeterhistory.org, www.exeterhistory.org.
