Meredith Historical Society plans America 250 program on Gen. John Stark

MEREDITH — Ask an internet search engine what New Hampshire is known for, and it will say something about it being the “Live Free or Die” state. What it doesn’t do is explain the Revolutionary War roots of the phrase or identify the independence fighter John Stark who coined it.

As the June offering of its annual speaker series, the Meredith Historical Society will feature a program by educator George Morrison titled, “Who Was John Stark?” The program is made possible through a generous grant from New Hampshire Humanities and offered in partnership with the Meredith Public Library.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, at the Meredith Community Center, with the program beginning at 7.

“Soldiers from Meredith fought in the Revolutionary War battles of Bennington and Bunker Hill under the command of General Stark,” Meredith Historical Society President John Hopper said. “It is most appropriate that we take advantage of our country’s 250th birthday to learn more about this significant New Hampshire hero.”

Speaker George Morrison’s path to becoming a New Hampshire historian was unusual. When his favorite sixth grade teacher predicted he’d become “either a teacher or a priest,” he was unconvinced. Evading the seminary, he served 30 years as a high school teacher.

Morrison’s introduction to John Stark came during his youth when he read an account of the general in Boys’ Life magazine. In high school he purchased a discarded library book titled Reminiscences of the French War by Stark’s grandson Caleb Stark, as well as a multi-volume history about Rogers’ Rangers.

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Morrison is a long-time researcher of unpublished primary sources, he has contributed to the work of numerous aviation historians and artists in several countries. He is a lifelong photographer, historian, and motorcyclist.

Please note that with the June 2 program, the society’s speaker series returns to its usual venue at the Meredith Community Center.

For further information about the Society’s Speaker Series, visit meredithhistoricalsocietynh.org.