Founded in 1896

History in the Community

This page is hosted by the Manchester Historic Association as a courtesy to let our constituents know about history-related activities and programs taking place in the community. This information is updated frequently, so please check back for further details, developments and links!

If you are interested in adding an item to this page, please inquire by e-mail. For information on Manchester Historic Association programs, click on our Calendar of Events page.

Additional updates on local history-related events are included on the Message Board on
the Manchester History Network Meetup website.



Friends of Stark Park


Stark Park, located on North River Road in Manchester, was once part of the farm owned by General John Stark of Revolutionary War fame. General Stark is buried in the family burial ground in this city park, and the park's most prominent feature is a large-scale equestrian statue of Stark. The Friends of Stark Park is a membership organization with a mission to develop, revitalize, maintain, and protect the heritage and recreational use of Stark Park as an historic asset of the City of Manchester.

Click here for additional information about the activities of the Friends of Stark Park, including a schedule of the 2011 Sunday concerts in the Hecker-Hastings Bandstand in Stark Park.


The General John Stark Scenic Byway
Your route through history...

The General John Stark Scenic Byway is a 34 mile circular route that connects the towns of Goffstown, Dunbarton, Weare and New Boston, New Hampshire. It is named in honor of New Hampshire's best known Revolutionary War hero, General John Stark. Stark was instrumental in leading the fight at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 and the Battle of Bennington in 1776. He is the source of the state's motto "Live Free or Die." There are many historical points of interest along the route that refer back to the Stark family and the Revolutionary War era, along with other periods of history. The route was officially designated a State Scenic Byway in 2008 and is an important part of the areas’ economic development, historic preservation, and scenic and natural resources protection efforts. Look for special events from time to time, organized by the participating communities.

For further information:
National Scenic Byways Program website listing
Town of New Boston, NH website listing

Also: Visit the Millyard Museum to view a display focusing on General John Stark, and contact the Manchester Historic Association for information about Stark-related sites in Manchester.


New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society
The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire

Founded in 1995 the New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society (NHAHS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the history and promote the advancement and dissemination of aviation knowledge in the State of New Hampshire. The Society manages the operation of the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire. NHAHS's offices and our Aviation Museum of New Hampshire are located in Grenier Field’s (now the Manchester/Boston Regional Airport's) historic 1937 terminal building, which has been authentically restored to its Art Deco glory. The museum is currently showing a special exhibit: “History of the New Hampshire Air National Guard.” Museum hours are Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Click here for the schedule of programs, and additional information about the Society and the museum.


Friends of the Valley Cemetery and Arboretum
Preserving Manchester's "Garden Cemetery"

The Valley Cemetery, which opened in 1841, is one of the country's first burial places designed as a "garden" or "rural" cemetery. The cemetery's meandering paths lead the visitor through a landscape of beautiful native and ornamental trees. A bubbling brook once flowed through the valley, and the cemetery was adorned with decorative wooden gazebos and bridges. The Friends of the Valley Cemetery and Arboretum work to preserve the natural and man-made beauty of the cemetery. This group is currently looking for volunteers to serve on their board and to help out in other capacities. For information, click on the Friends' website

Want to learn more about the Valley Cemetery? A self-guided walking tour map, "The Valley Cemetery - A Rural Cemetery for an Industrial City" is available at the Manchester Historic Association Museum Shop for $1. The tour includes the gravesites of several founders of the city, and other interesting residents of Manchester in the 19th century.



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