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Freedom Historical Society Presents “Who Was John Stark” on Wednesday, June 17

The Freedom Historical Society continues its 2026 speaker series on June 17 with a program entitled “Who Was John Stark?” by George Morrison. It is made possible by a generous grant from New Hampshire Humanities.

While many are familiar with New Hampshire’s state motto, “Live Free or Die”, few might know about the man, General John Stark, who uttered these words. Ransomed captive, Ranger officer, road-builder, lumberman, husband and father, militia Colonel, Continental General…this biographical sketch reveals the man whose phrase has become synonymous with our state – from license plates to tourist trinkets. Dispensing with myth and reaching back nearly three centuries into our colonial past, George Morrison invites you along a journey of re-discovery.

George Morrison earned a B.A. degree in History at the University of New Hampshire and had a 27-year career as a high school teacher. George has contributed to the work of numerous aviation historians and artists in several countries. He is a lifelong photographer, historian, and motorcyclist.

The Freedom Historical Society is a non-profit organization that shares and preserves the stories of Freedom’s history. The public is invited to join us on June 17 at 7 PM. The program is free and will be presented in person at the Freedom Town Hall, 16 Elm Street. For more information or questions about the program, please call (603) 491-8347.

NEW Feature Exhibit for 2026!!!

The Freedom Historical Society announces 2026 feature exhibit, “Summer Camps of Freedom: Then. Now. Always.”: the story of the town’s summer camps. The exhibit opens on Saturday, May 23, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Freedom Historical Society, 28 Old Portland Road in Freedom. After the launch, the exhibit will be open every Wednesday from 10 AM to Noon and every Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM.

For more than a century, summers in Freedom have been shaped by the laughter of children, the glow of campfires, the closing of the day with the soft notes of the bugle, and the haunting calls of loons across the water. Visitors will experience the rhythm of camp life and the deep, enduring roots of a shared legacy.

Of the 21 camps in Freedom since 1899, five are still active today. The remainder live on in memory and are part of Freedom’s shared legacy. This new exhibit will feature Freedom’s five active camps (Calumet, Cody, Huckins, Luethi-Peterson, and Robin Hood) plus two legacy camps (Cragged Mountain Farm and Wakuta). Volunteers of the Freedom Historical Society conducted research and interviews with representatives from these camps during the past winter and are pleased to share what they have compiled. Visitors will be encouraged to share their local camp experiences and provide additional photos and stories to add to our collective memory.

Kyle Thomas, Freedom Historical Society Co-President, emphasizes that “this exhibit is a dynamic, immersive exhibit, not merely a static display. Visitors will experience interactive content, hear sounds of summer camp, explore maps, and view historical photos and artifacts.” Kyle added that “this remarkable story of the town’s summer camps will continue to be told in 2027 with information and photographs highlighting the 14 additional camps that once operated here”.

Roberta MacCarthy, Freedom Historical Society Co-President, notes that “many current residents of Freedom were first introduced to the town through a local summer camp experience. Freedom’s camps are more than recreational spaces – they are a foundational part of our community. The exhibit brings this special part of Freedom history to life and ensures that the stories of camps in Freedom will endure for generations to come.

Additionally, in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary, the Freedom Historical Society will display stories about early Freedom settlers who participated in the Revolutionary War. There will also be an exhibit highlighting the Freedom Club of Boston, an organization that provided a beloved social network for several generations of people who had a deep personal connection to Freedom but were not full-time residents.

You will not want to miss these exhibits, so please join us to celebrate this local legacy!”

2026 FHS Hours

The Freedom Historical Society is open every Wednesday from 10 AM to Noon and every Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM through October 12.

We will have special hours during Freedom Old Home Week, July 24 to August 2. The Museum will be open Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 1 PM.

If you would like a special appointment, email us at: fhsociety28@gmail.com and state your requested date and contact information.

To see details of prior FHS programs, click here.

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