Historic Attractions
The Monadnock region of New England boasts a rich and fascinating history, tracing back to its early settlement and fortifications of the 17th and 18th centuries, and continuing through its industrial boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can immerse themselves in this heritage by exploring the homestead of President Franklin Pierce, wandering through the region's quaint old stone and covered bridges, and discovering the relics of its toy factories, glass makers, and quarries. Historic cemeteries, such as the one in Dublin, New Hampshire, are also a rich source of history and provide a unique window into the lives of the region's early settlers and residents.
To delve deeper into the region's rich historical roots, there are numerous historical societies and organizations in each town, providing hours, exhibits, and special programs that are both educational and engaging. For a more immersive experience, the Historical Society of Cheshire County and the Monadnock Center for History and Culture are the largest, year-round institutions that offer a wealth of information and insights into the area's fascinating past.
For a unique and interactive experience, be sure to attend the Living History event in Hillsborough, or take part in one of the many old home days that happen throughout the region during the summer months. And for those looking for a scenic drive, don't miss the opportunity to discover the historical markers, bridges, and cemeteries that can be found along the roadsides, offering a glimpse into the rich stories and heritage of the Monadnock region.
History Alive
Occurs in August
Hillsborough, NH
Gilsum Stone Arch Bridge
Ashuelot River on Old NH 10 Gilsum, NH 03448Slate Bridge
East of N.H.Route 10 on
Westport Village Road
Swanzey, NH 03446
Coombs Bridge
West of N.H. Route 10, one-half mile southwest of Westport Village on Old Westport Road Winchester, NH 03470Ashuelot Bridge
N.H. Route 10 on Main Street over the Ashuelot River
Swanzey, NH 03446
Hancock-Greenfield Covered Bridge
Over the Contoocook River Forest Road Hancock/ GreenfieldOld Carr Bridge
Beard and Jones Roads Hillsborough, NH 03244Carlton Bridge
East of N.H. Route 32 on Carleton Road, one-half mile south of Swanzey Village
Swanzey, NH 03446
Sawyer’s Crossing
Over the Ashuelot River
One mile north of N.H. Route 32
Swanzey, NH 03446
West Swanzey Bridge
East of N.H. Route 10 on Main St. over the Ashuelot River in West Swanzey
Stone Arch Bridge – Keene
Off Rt 101, half a mile east of
junction with Main St.
Keene, NH 03431
Stone Arch Bridge – Stoddard
Rt. 9 Stoddard, NH 03464Gleason Falls Bridge
Over Beards Brook Hillsborough, NH 03244Sawyer Bridge
Rt. 202 and W. Main St. Hillsborough, NH 03244Westmoreland Park Hill Meeting House and Historical Society
Park Hill Common Westmoreland, NH 03467 (603) 399-7075Chase’s Mill
801 Forest Road Alstead, NH 03602Northfield Drive-In
981 Northfield Rd Hinsdale, NH (603) 239-4054Nelson Town Archives
Nelson, NH 03457Gibson Pewter
18 East Washington Rd. Hillsborough, NH. 03244 (603) 464-3410Jaffrey Historical Society
40 Main StreetJaffrey, NH. 03452
Winchester Historical Society
391 Back Ashuelot Rd, Winchester, NH 03470 (603) 239-7399Stoddard Historical Society
P.O. Box 213 Stoddard, NH 03464 (603) 446-7562.Rindge Historical Society
School St, Rindge, NH 03461 (603) 899-2341Marlow Historical Society
PO Box 12 Marlow, NH 03456 (603) 446-6201Dublin Historical Society
PO Box 415 Dublin, NH 03444 (603) 563-8545Chesterfield Historical Society
Route 63 Chesterfield, NH 03443Fitzwilliam Historical Society
Fitzwilliam, NH 03447 (603)-585-7742Temple Historical Society
PO Box 114 Temple, NH 03084Mason Historical Society
Mason, NH 03048 (603) 878-3867Marlborough Historical Society
Marlborough, NH 03455Lyndeborough Historical Society
Lyndeborough, NH 03082Greenfield Historical Society
Greenfield, NH 03047Gilsum Historical Society
Gilsum, NH 03448Francestown Improvement & Historical Society
Francestown, NH 03043Barrett House | Historic Property
79 Main Street New Ipswich, N.H. 03071 (617) 994-6675Alstead Historical Society
Maybelle H. Still Memorial Bldg. High St. & Pleasant St. Alstead, NH 03602Wilton Historical Society
7 Forest Road P.O. Box 1052 Wilton, NH 03086Walpole Historical Society
Main St, Walpole, NH 03608 (603) 756-3449Troy Historical Society
Kimball Hall P.O. Box 593 Troy, NH 03465.New Ipswich Historical Society
23 Main Street, New Ipswich, NH 03071Milford Historical Society
2 Union Square, Milford, NH 03055 (603) 673-3385Historic Harrisville
69 Main St., Harrisville, NH. 03450 (603) 827-3722Hinsdale Historical Society
609 Brattleboro Road, PO Box 194 Hinsdale, NH. 03451Hillsborough Historical Society
5 Central St., Hillsboro, NH 03244 (603) 478-0809Hancock Historical Society
7 Main St. Hancock NH 03449 (603) 525-9379Bennington Historical Society
38 Main StreetBennington, NH 03442
(603) 588-4871
Antrim Historical Society
Second floor of the James A. Tuttle Library 45 Main St Antrim, NH 03440(603) 588-6539