Thursday, September 19, 2019
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Millyard Museum
FREE Admission

Join authors Kelly Kilcrease and Yvette Lazdowski for a talk and book signing on their new book: Manchester's Shoe Industry.  

Famous for its dominance in textile production, Manchester was also affectionately called “Shoe City.” More than seventy different shoe companies once called Manchester home, and thousands of area residents worked tirelessly to produce some of the best-known shoes in America and throughout the world. The largest manufacturers were the F.M. Hoyt Shoe Company, maker of Beacon Shoes, and the granddaddy of them all, the McElwain Company, known for its popular brands, including the iconic Thom McAn shoes. Authors Kelly Kilcrease and Yvette Lazdowski reveal how these and other Manchester-based shoe shops were vital to the area’s economic and employment prosperity, especially among the immigrant population, as well as how the McElwain Company was an integral part of the Melville Corporation, known today as CVS.

To RSVP, please call 622-7531 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Manchester and the Path to the Presidency

Exhibit Opening
October 2, 2019
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Millyard Museum

The exhibit, Manchester and the Path to the Presidency will be unveiled at the Millyard Museum on Wednesday evening, October 2.

Every four years, Manchester is visited by numerous presidential candidates, campaigning in the New Hampshire Primary.  Once again, the Millyard Museum will be showcasing the history of this process through images of candidates through the years as they engaged with Manchester voters in their homes, on the streets and in the many iconic watering holes that are the lifeblood of so many campaigns.

Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent, you're certain to see some of your favorite candidates - Kennedy, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Clinton, Bush, Obama - as they meet with your friends and neighbors in their quest to win election to our nation's highest office. We believe Manchester is the crucible of the Presidential Primary process in New Hampshire, and with this exhibit, we demonstrate our pivotal role in American political history.

Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (603)622-7531

Thank you to our Exhibit Sponsors!

Saturday October 5, 2019
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

$5 Manchester Historic Association members - $10 General Public 
Pre-registration is required.  Please call (603)-622-7531.

Join Executive Director John Clayton on a visual history tour of the Amoskeag Millyard. Home to the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company from 1831-1936, this mile of brick mill buildings housed the behemoth of American industry.

One Weekend Only!

October 12 & 13, 2019
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
$7 per person or $20 per family
$5 per person for MHA members  
Walking tours of the area conducted at 1:00 each day 
Cost for walking tour is included with your admission to the tower.  The cost for the walking tour only is $5 per person.

Parking will be available in front of the Weston Observatory off of Oak Hill Ave. 

We are back this year with another opportunity to climb to the top of the Weston Observatory!  Located behind Derryfield Park, Weston Observatory was built in 1896 in honor of James Adams Weston, a former Mayor of Manchester and Governor of New Hampshire.  The tower stands 66 feet tall, giving an exquisite view of Manchester and the surrounding areas from its observation deck.  Normally closed to the public, the Weston Observatory will be open for just one weekend in October during foliage season.  Picnic tables will be available, so bring a lunch and come enjoy the beautiful fall foliage while experiencing one of Manchester's best kept secrets! Please note that the Observatory is not accessible for people in wheelchairs or who have walking disabilities. 

Saturday, October 26, 2019
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Victory Park
FREE Admission

The Manchester Historic Association is partnering with the Manchester City Library to put on an all-day Civil War event in the Victory Park. 

10:00 - 2:00 =  The 1st New Hampshire Light Battery Reenactment Group will have an encampment in the park and will be putting on demonstrations.

11:00 = Historian Ed Brouder will give a lecture about Manchester during the Civil War at the City Library

1:00 = Talk in the park about the history of the 1st New Hampshire Light Battery

2:30 = MHA Executive Director John Clayton will give a lecture at the MHA Research Center about “The Last Boy in Blue"

The MHA’s Research Center will also have rarely shown Civil War era material on display.

This is a free event so don’t miss out! Come see your city’s history!

The Historic Preservation Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Historic Preservation Awards. 

The Historic Preservation Awards program recognizes and supports the efforts of individuals, businesses and organizations who have made significant contributions to the preservation of buildings, neighborhoods, traditions and other historic resources in the Queen City.

Over 27 years, more than 230 recipients have been recognized for a wide variety of preservation efforts in 40 different categories. The annual event has become the MHA’s single largest fundraiser to support its non-profit mission of collecting, preserving and sharing the history of Manchester.

If you are interested in nominating a person, organization or business for a Historic Preservation Award, please complete the HPA 2020 Nomination Form. 

The 28th Annual Historic Preservation Awards will be held on May 12, 2020.