Annual museum open house, boat tour planned in Meredith

MEREDITH — As summer winds down, the Meredith Historical Society has planned two popular annual events to celebrate another successful season.

First up is the Meredith Historical Society’s annual open house, which will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 5-7 p.m. at Meredith’s Main Street Museum.

Then during the second and third weeks of September the society will again offer its popular historic boat tours on Lake Winnipesaukee. Tours are planned for Tuesdays, Sept. 8 and 15, with rain dates on the respective Thursdays, Sept. 10 and 17.

The annual open house begins at 5 p.m. on Sept. 1. In addition to tours of the society’s Main Street Museum, members will serve up free hotdogs, chips, and other goodies. Featured will be this year’s new museum displays featuring Leander Pynn’s Ford garage on Main Street, and another highlighting artwork of former Meredith artist Peter Hall. Historical Society board members and volunteers will be on hand to chat and answer any questions.

Additionally, local author and MHS President John Hopper will be on hand to sign copies of his new book on Meredith Village’s historic mill yard.

This year’s boat cruises will depart from the Goodhue Marina (formerly Shep Brown’s) on Meredith Neck at 12:30 p.m. Dates are Tuesday, Sept. 8 (rain date Thursday, Sept. 10), and Tuesday, Sept. 15 (rain date Thursday, Sept. 17). This year’s tours will visit the waters along the eastern border of Meredith, including cruising past Black Cat, Three Mile, Five Mile and Six Mile Islands. Historical commentary will be provided by Jane Rice and John Hopper. Each cruise will be limited to 40 passengers aboard the ship Bear II, provided courtesy of Camps Lawrence and Nokomis.

“Our annual cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee have become one of our most popular annual events,” Society President John Hopper said. “Lake lore has been an integral part of our town from its earliest days, and this gives us a chance to keep that history alive.”

Proceeds of the boat tours go toward the society’s mission to preserve, develop and promote the knowledge and awareness of the town’s rich history through educational programs, museum collections, original historical research and publications, and an expanding library of digital and traditional resources.

Don’t delay; seats are going fast. To reserve a spot, contact the Meredith Historical Society by email at mhsmeredith.office@gmail.com.