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The Laconia Historical and Museum Society is dedicated to protecting, preserving and sharing the history and culture of Laconia, New Hampshire, from its earliest inhabitants to the present.
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Welcome!
Upcoming Events
2026 First Quarter Programming
January - March
Stay tuned for our calendar of events for 2026. We're looking for to sharing Laconia's history with you in the upcoming year! Learn more...
LHMS Annual Meeting
February 17
Please join us for a recap of our accomplishments in 2025 as we look forward to sharing the history of Laconia with you in the new year! Learn more...
Sunday Series Scavenger Hunt
February 15
Join us for a scavenger hunt that blends exploration, teamwork, and discovery. Follow clues connected to historic places, people, and stories. Learn more..
Thank You!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the Laconia Historical & Museum Society successfully met its Annual Appeal and Giving Tuesday goals, raising a combined total of $8,000. This outpouring of support is a powerful reminder of how deeply our community values local history and preservation.
Your generosity directly supports our mission—helping us care for our collections, share meaningful stories, and create programs that connect the past with the present. We are truly grateful for every gift and every supporter who makes this work possible. Thank you for believing in what we do and helping ensure that Laconia’s history continues to be preserved and shared for generations to come.
Our Museum is Open!
The Archives, the new museum at the Laconia Historical & Museum Society, is OPEN!
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Open Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 65 Water St, the Archives offers five separate small exhibits on various topics related to Laconia's story. Four of the five exhibits are rotating and will change every 4-6 weeks.
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We can't wait to see you at The Archives!
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Laconia Historical & Museum Society Receives $10,000 Grant from New Hampshire Preservation Alliance & The 1772 Foundation
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A $10,000 grant has been awarded to LHMS to support the Society’s first project of their “Legacy of Laconia Heritage Preservation Campaign,” a new initiative dedicated to making the needed repairs and upgrades to protect and preserve the society’s collections.
The N.H. Preservation Alliance, in partnership with The 1772 Foundation, awarded grants totaling $125,000 to seventeen private non-profit organizations in New Hampshire to assist in preserving their historic structures.
“This year, The 1772 Foundation’s investment in New Hampshire is protecting and revitalizing seventeen historic buildings, positively impacting communities by bringing needed capital investment to important community landmarks,” said Beverly Thomas, deputy director of the Preservation Alliance.
The initial project for LHMS, pertaining to the “Protect the Collections” phase, aims to replace the deteriorated and leaking roof of the late 19th-century foundry building located in downtown Laconia. This necessity is urgent, as the rental space contributes to operational expenses, and the society's archival collections are housed on the premises.
“Replacing the roof will significantly contribute to protecting and preserving the story of Laconia, ensuring that we, along with future generations, can continue to learn about the people, places, and events that have shaped our city. We are incredibly excited and grateful to The 1772 Foundation and the NH Preservation Alliance for the opportunity and support,” said Tara Shore, President, Laconia Historical & Museum Society.
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance strengthens communities and stimulates local economies by encouraging the protection and revival of historic buildings and places. For more information, visit nhpreservation.org.
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As an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Laconia Historical & Museum Society is greatly reliant upon the gracious contributions we receive from community supporters like you. With your help, we can and will achieve our 2025 goals!
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We are greatly appreciative of your support in protecting Laconia's story. Make history today by helping us continue our mission.
Thank You!
Many Thanks to our Generous Sponsors!
Franklin Savings Bank has been serving the Lakes Region for over 150 years, and understands the importance of honoring heritage, valuing stability, and giving back to the communities it serves. We believe in Growing Stronger Together. As a mutually-owned community bank with locations in Franklin, Boscawen, Tilton, Bristol, Gilford, Merrimack and Goffstown, we are committed to establishing positive relationships with our customers and community members. We offer an array of commercial lending, personal banking and investment services through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Independence Financial Advisors, and have a dedicated team of employees ready to help you achieve your financial goals. If you’re looking for a local community bank that’s committed to your success, then we invite you to visit any of our eight locations: https://www.fsbnh.bank/personal-banking/locations-atms/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn about our community involvement. We hope to meet you soon!
Irwin's was founded in 1951 by Robert H. Irwin as a Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Laconia. Ford was added a few years later, in 1955. Peter Irwin, second generation, added Toyota in 1979 and then Scion in 2002. Irwin's Used Car Center was built in 1994 and was located at 446 Union Ave in Laconia. Chris Irwin, 3rd generation, in 2009 completed a 12,000 sq foot expansion of their Bisson Ave location, which now totals 72,000 sq feet on more than 15 acres. Laconia Quicklane Tire and Auto Center was started in the late fall of 2010. Hyundai was acquired in 2011 and moved into the renovated used car store at 446 Union Ave in the Winter of 2012. In the Spring of 2013, NH Car Credit, a division of Irwin's, was established. Irwin's involvement in the community has been a staple in the Lakes Region for years, highlighted by: $50,000 to the Laconia High School Capital Campaign, $25,000 donation to the Laconia Public Library Construction project, $3,500 donated for MS, 100 Turkey's donated to St Vincent DePaul each Thanksgiving, $2,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club, donations to Community Health & Hospice, the Lion's Club, the Laconia Putnam Fund, and the Lakes Region General Hospital Board of Trustees. In addition, Irwin's has provided for years, at no charge, a winter indoor hitting and pitching facility for local Little League and ASA girls softball along with donating a $10,000 electronic scoreboard to Laconia Little League. Over the course of the last sixty-plus years, Irwin's has given back to the community in excess of $1,200,000! In 2023, Irwin's added the Chevrolet franchise to offer the largest selection of new/used vehicles, 2 body shops, and 5 repair facilities in Central New Hampshire. Throughout it all, there remains a constant: "to treat every guest as our best friend."
