hopkinton historical society

The 1890 building that houses the Hopkinton Historical Society is on the National Register of Historic Places as the first building built for the purpose of housing an Historical Society. An a gem it is. The second floor exhibit hall echoes a church sanctuary with a high vaulted ceiling and huge windows at either end of the building to let natural light pour in. The museum has seasonal exhibits. The one this summer is about how the Contoocook area has been influenced by the river that runs through it. Permanent exhibits include some significant old furniture and clocks, and a great old dugout canoe that was rescued from the lake bottom. If you are doing research about the area, they have a great collection (ideally you should phone or email ahead, check their website for details). The Society has recently obtained (thanks to the work of an amazing Boy Scout for his Eagle project) a complete photo record that is indexed and mapped of all the gravesides in the Old Hopkinton Cemetery that is right next door. This is only an example of the great local resource that this place is. I cannot leave this review without mentioning the excellent lady who guided us through the temporary and permanent exhibits. She was enthusiastic and knowledgable. She was also very helpful and accommodating, getting us the cemetery information that allowed us to find gravesides and processing our purchased from their small assortment of gifts with efficiency. It it wonderful to find someone who so obviously loves their job and is willing to be of service to their guests. This venue is a great place to pop in on your way through New Hampshire. Be sure to stop by!