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The Laconia Historical and Museum Society is dedicated to preserving, protecting and sharing the history and culture of Laconia, New Hampshire, from its earliest inhabitants to the present.
​This year, we are excited to celebrate Laconia's Irish ancestry, highlighting early Catholic residents like John O'Shea and families such as the Dunleaveys, Murphys, McIntires and O'Neils. We'll explore the area around the original St. Joseph's Church, known as “Paddy’s Acre,” home to many Irish Catholics.
We'll spotlight the scrapbooks of Andrew Childs' a son of "Paddy's Acre," who lovingly captured the Laconia of his youth.
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From this this tight-knit community, built on faith and loyalty to friends, came people who lived lives of service to Laconia. Whether they were first responders, merchants, or politicians, they leave a legacy of values built on hard work, dedication and kindness to others.
Welcome!
Upcoming Events
May 7
Find out some local Laconia lore about a teenage boy who joins a merchant ship to Russia.
NH Veterans' Association Tour
May 17
Enjoy a free tour of one of the oldest veterans' associations in the United States!
History Happened Here!
May 31
Join us for an historical walking tour, a downtown food tasting tour, a trivia contest and a free concert!
Coming Soon!
History Happened Here!
Saturday May 31st
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Join us for the 3rd annual History Happened Here!, a day long event that starts at 9:00 am in downtown Laconia. Begin with an historic, guided walking tour and continue at 11:00 am with a food tasting tour. Head to Weirs Beach at 3:00 pm for a trivia challenge at Off the Rails Bar and raps up the day at 6:30 pm with at a free concert featuring New Horizons Band at the Weirs amphitheater.
Join us for one event or embrace the entire experience! The schedule is designed to ensure everyone can enjoy as many events as they wish.
Shining a Light on the Russian Count
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Join us on
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​Wednesday May 7, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m.
Laconia Public Library
Listen as Jewel Fox presents the tale of "The Russian Count" a teenage boy who runs away from Laconia and his employer, Stephen Perley, to join the crew of a merchant ship bound for Russia. But is the tale true? You'll have to find out!
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This lecture is FREE and part of the Laconia Historical & Museum Society's "Our Yesterdays" Presentation Series.
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We look forward to seeing you there!
NH Veterans' Association Tour
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​​Saturday May 17, 2025 @ 1:00 p.m.
208 Lakeside Avenue
From its establishment following the Civil War to today, as the oldest continuous veterans' association in the United States, learn the unique and interesting history of the NH Veterans' Association and how they utilize this campus today.
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This event is FREE and open to the community. For more information, contact Fred Merrill at fredx@metrocast.net
LHMS must focus on our 2024 Annual Appeal, which initiates our 'Protect the Collections' Fundraiser, Phase One of our 'Legacy of Laconia—Heritage Preservation' Campaign.
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Our goal is to raise $75,000 by May 1, 2025. These much-needed funds will be used to repair and replace the roof of our archives building, located at 65 Water Street, which we maintain to house and protect Laconia's irreplaceable historical collections. Your Annual Appeal gift will directly and significantly support this important effort!
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!
Space for Rent
Please contact Steve Weeks at
sweeks@weekscommercial.com for more information about this great location!
Programming
Collections
Many Thanks to our Generous Sponsor!
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!
