This year LHMS is proudly celebrating Laconia’s Native American heritage through a series of programs, presentations, and community events.
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We are honored to learn more about and share the history and living legacy of the first people of the Lakes Region — whose culture, traditions, and stories remain present, vibrant, and alive in our region today.
Welcome!
Upcoming Events
Book Discussion and Program
September 22
Read and discuss The Shock of Colonialism in New England: Fragments from a Frontier by Meghan C. L. Howey, professor of anthropology at UNH. Find out more...
Program: Indigenous Discoveries at the Winepisoket Pond & Laconia
September 29
Indigenous sites at Lochmere and the Weirs, the tribes connected to the region, and the local researchers whose efforts helped preserve their history. Find out more...
Annual Historic Cemetery Tour: Discover Hillside in Lakeport
October 25
Save the date for our annual historic cemetery tour, this year featuring Lakeport's Hillside Cemetery on Mechanic Street.
Save the Date!
Visit the Museum
Exhibit: Through the Lens of Bob St. Louis
This is an ongoing, constantly changing interactive community exhibit showcasing the people, places, and moments that shaped the Lakes Region over more than 30 years, as captured by local photographer Bob St. Louis.
With your help we can accurately preserve and archive these photographs—ensuring the history they capture is complete and meaningful for generations to come.
Visit The Archives any time we are open and pull up a chair!
Exhibit: From Milestone to Legacy: Celebrating Laconia's Story
For more than a century, the people of Laconia have gathered to celebrate the milestones that shaped their community. Each anniversary offered more than a reason to commemorate a date—it provided an opportunity to reflect on the city's journey, honor those who came before, celebrate the accomplishments of the present, and inspire future generations.
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As Laconia grew from Meredith Bridge to an incorporated city, each celebration captured a unique moment in time. The programs, parades, speeches, pageants, music, artwork, souvenirs, and community gatherings reflected not only the history being honored but also the hopes and priorities of the people who organized them.
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This exhibit traces the evolution of Laconia's major civic celebrations—from the city's earliest commemorations to its most recent anniversaries. Together, they tell a larger story of community pride, resilience, progress, and a shared commitment to preserving Laconia's heritage.
Each milestone became another chapter in an ongoing legacy—one that continues to be written by every generation.
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!
For more than 100 years, Normandin, Cheney & O’Neil, PLLC has fought for clients’ rights with unwavering commitment. We put our experience and excellence to work every day to deliver results that matter. As a mid-sized firm, we tackle the toughest opponents and most complex legal challenges through a collaborative, team-based approach. Yet we remain small enough to offer the personalized attention and responsiveness our clients have relied on for generations. Martindale-Hubbell, the legal industry’s premier rating service, has awarded us its highest distinction and included us in its Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers. More importantly, our clients consistently recognize us for our integrity, dedication, and results. Clients trust us because we’re consistent. Our low attorney turnover has fostered long-standing professional relationships built on trust and mutual respect. We represent a diverse range of clients from individuals to multimillion dollar corporations across a broad spectrum of legal practice areas.
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."
