Freedom Historical Society Presents “A History of Scarboro Road” on Wednesday, October 15
The Freedom Historical Society will close out its 2025 speaker program series with an encore presentation of “A History of Scarboro Road” by John Harmon Perkins. The program is free and will be available via Zoom at 7 PM on October 15. Originally presented in 2021, the program will include a compilation of sightings of wild animals, new homes being constructed and residents’ status.
Scarboro Road has always held a fascination for John Perkins throughout his life. His memories are numerous and varied: entering a home that had a funeral parlor; hearing people called “Cousin” but not knowing how they were related; a house that was moved from Scarboro Road to Old Portland Road where a schoolhouse used to be; a brook running through the cellar to keep things cold; Saturday night summer cookouts at one residence with “The Road” invited; and great fun making cider in October. Back when time moved more slowly, one could walk down to Margie’s, Bob Stuart’s store, or Whittaker’s store. In more recent years, John has recognized the heritage of family and friends, appreciating the historical interrelationships between residences. For example: What was the original relationship between 231, 349 and 338 Scarboro Road?
You won’t want to miss this presentation if you love the history of the Town of Freedom or if one or more of the following surnames is part of your family heritage or friends that you knew: Alexander, Barosky, Barrett, Bennett, Birnie, Black, Bradbury, Bucknell, Campbell, Carter, Cleveland, Cuddy, Cunningham, Doe, Desharnais, Foss, Franke/McGarvey, French, Furbush, Gibbs, Glidden, Goff, Gordon, Harmon, Hatfield, Hodgdon, Kennedy/Morales, Kidder, Lamb/Steen, Lord, Lovering, Lozier, Marston, Mc Daniels, Meserve, Milliken, Mills, Nicholson, Perkins, Phelps, Philbrick, Rasquin, Sargent, Schluter, Sloboda/Dubroff, Smith, Stoops, Towle, Truelove, Vallacenti, Vernon, Warren, Watts, Wogan/Zampell, or Youldon.
John Harmon Perkins is the 7th generation of the Harmon Family to live on Scarboro Road. He is the author of “The History of the Freedom Club of Boston and New Hampshire, 75th Anniversary” and “The History of the Freedom Club of New Hampshire and the Beach Club, 100th Anniversary”. As a genealogist, he has compiled a database of over 2600 individuals, including many from Freedom. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Freedom Historical Society and has compiled a forthcoming FHS publication which will inventory houses on Old Portland, Scarboro, Black, Phil and East Ridge Roads based on research under FHS auspices by Hillary Johnson.
Members of FHS and the public are welcome and invited to register in advance to receive Zoom access by clicking on the button above, and following the instructions to register and receive log-in instructions. Please join the Zoom meeting prior to the 7 PM start time on October 15. For additional information please call (603) 491-8347.
Freedom Historical Society Presents “History and Mystery: A Genealogy Starter Guide” on Wednesday, September 24
The Freedom Historical Society continues its 2025 speaker program series on September 24 with a program entitled “History and Mystery: A Genealogy Starter Guide” presented by Erin Moulton. It is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. The program is free and will be presented in person at the Freedom Town Hall at 7:00 PM.
Are you interested in family history? Have you spent time in graveyards wondering about the names behind the stones? Then you just may be a genealogy enthusiast. Genealogy is the exploration of ancestral lines and can be done through countless records, resources, and artifacts. Join us to explore useful methods for research planning through the case study of Elsie Gaskin (an eccentric librarian from New Hampshire) and become a better researcher along the way.
As a genealogical researcher, Erin Moulton has explored the lives of the departed for over 14 years. She is a member of the Association of Professional Geologists, the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the New Hampshire Society of Genealogists. She holds a B.A. from Emerson College, an M.F.A. from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a Certificate of Genealogical Research from Boston University. Erin is also an award-winning author of middle grade and young adult books.
Members of the Freedom Historical Society and the general public are welcome and invited to attend in person at the Freedom Town Hall, 16 Elm Street starting at 7 PM on September 24. For more information or questions about the program please call (603) 491-8347.
Freedom Historical Society Presents “A Sense of Freedom” on Wednesday, July 30
The Freedom Historical Society continues to celebrate its 60th Anniversary Year of preserving Freedom’s History on July 30 with a presentation entitled “A Sense of Freedom” by Noel Quinton. The program is free, open to the public and will be presented in person at Freedom Town Hall at 7 PM.
Freedom’s picturesque village and surrounding landscapes have long appealed to residents and summer visitors, creating an emotional attachment that can best be described as “a sense of place.” Old photographs help us appreciate just how strongly the present-day town is connected to its past, and the best source of such images is an unexpected one: vintage postcards. Using material from the postcard collection of the Freedom Historical Society, Noel Quinton has created “A Sense of Freedom”, an engaging book and presentation filled with century-old scenes enlivened by insights from his comprehensive research. “A Sense of Freedom” is a pleasure to read in printed form and a compelling presentation to hear in person.
Noel developed an interest in historic images long ago when listening to his grandmother talk about her grandfather, an early Vermont photographer. Decades later he discovered that searching for vintage postcards of favorite places was a satisfying way to merge his collecting instincts with his interest in history, geography and photography. A resident of Freedom for the past 17 years, Noel has been a volunteer researcher for the Freedom Historical Society’s current and past exhibits.
Members of the Freedom Historical Society and the public are welcome and invited to attend in person at the newly air-conditioned Freedom Town Hall, 16 Elm Street, at 7 PM on July 30. For more information or questions about the program, please call (603) 491-8347.
Freedom Historical Society Presents “Buried New Hampshire: Stories of NH’s Dead” on Wednesday, July 16
The Freedom Historical Society continues to celebrate its 60th Anniversary Year of preserving Freedom’s History on July 16 with a presentation entitled “Buried New Hampshire – Stories of NH’s Dead” by Rick Davidson and Bill Thompson. The program is free, co-sponsored with the Friends of the Freedom Library, and will be presented in person at Freedom Town Hall at 7 PM.
From the seacoast to the White Mountains and the Great North Woods, New Hampshire’s burial grounds vary from urban park-like cemeteries to single lonely markers hidden deep in the woods. Tombstones tell fascinating stories of the past and may tell of heroic deeds or great tragedies.
Personal histories become forgotten, but some survive in local lore. To create their book “Buried New Hampshire”, authors and photographers Rick Davidson and Bill Thompson spent a year researching legends, following clues, and photographing Granite State cemeteries. They will share their evocative color photographs and intriguing research. Celebrities, murderers, heroes, and various unusual characters (some tragic and some inspiring) come alive in their book and in this presentation.
Rick Davidson is a photographer, novelist and retired high school/college teacher. He resides in Freedom with his wife Jane. They operated Davidson Photography and Video for many years. Rick is the author of three thrilling novels and a NH history. When not writing, Rick enjoys travelling, walking with the family dog, spending time on the Maine Coast, playing guitar and flyfishing.
Bill and his wife, Janet, were owners of the North Country Angler Fly Shop in North Conway. He was a licensed New Hampshire fishing guide, and for nineteen years wrote “The Valley Angler” fishing column for the local paper and a monthly column for The New Hampshire Outdoor Gazette. His flies have been featured in several books and are still used on local rivers.
Members of the Freedom Historical Society and the public are welcome and invited to attend in person at the newly air-conditioned Freedom Town Hall, 16 Elm Street at 7 PM on July 16.
MY FREEDOM STORIES and MEMORIES
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Saturday, May 17, 2025
The Freedom Historical Society is going back to its roots with a nostalgic event at the Freedom Elementary School on Saturday May 17 at 2 PM called “My Freedom Stories and Memories – A Trip Down Memory Lane”. Since its founding in 1965, the Freedom Historical Society has sought to preserve and share Freedom’s history for present and future generations while building community pride, spirit and identity.
For this event, a group of long-time Freedom residents will share their stories and experiences of what it was like to live in Freedom during their lifetime. Folks who are participating include Dotty Brooks, Charlie Gibbs, Karen Hatch, Velma Hormel, David Meserve, John Perkins, Peg Scully, and Rachel Ward. This engaging event will be moderated by former FHS President John Shipman.
John will lead the conversation through a series of topics and remembrances such as school days, celebrations, Old Home Weeks, weather events, the Fire of 1947, how the Village Store has changed over the years, people with major influence on Freedom’s history and character, and major things that have or have not changed over the years. It is planned as an informal and interactive session which will allow for questions and stories from the audience as well.
After the discussion, birthday cake will be served with further time to chat and reminisce with the participants. By engaging with stories of the past, we hope to create connections, preserve family history and learn from the experiences of others.
The public is invited to join us on a trip down memory lane! For more information or questions, please call (603) 491-8347.
OPEN HOUSE AT FREEDOM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SUNDAY, MAY 4 FROM 4 PM to 6 PM
AT 28 OLD PORTLAND RD, FREEDOM
PLEASE JOIN US!
IT’S OUR ANNIVERSARY!
(THE CELEBRATION IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
It all started on May 5, 1965. For 60 years the community has come together to preserve Freedom’s history. Just imagine the number of volunteers and volunteer hours have been contributed over these last 60 years. These volunteers include history enthusiasts, community leaders, educators, descendants from early Freedom settlers, you, your family, and your neighbors. The level of participation and commitment says so much about Freedom. The achievements were and are many.
Whether or not you’ve been a volunteer, have attended one of our programs, or are a member of the Freedom Historical Society, we welcome you to this special celebration. Join us!
To read the full press release with additional details about this event, click here.
New England Baked Bean and Ham Supper on Wednesday, April 9
FHS will be partnering with the Freedom Community Club again this year in providing a traditional New England Baked Bean and Ham supper on April 9 at 6:00 PM at the Town Hall.
The menu will include homemade baked beans, hot dogs, mac & cheese, salad, cole slaw, along with New England brown bread and desserts.
After dinner, our Co-Presidents will make short presentations: Brandy Buttrick on a refreshed Effingham Falls exhibit at the Museum, and Roberta MacCarthy on activities celebrating our 60th Anniversary.
All are welcome!
Freedom Historical Society Presents “They Paved the Way: Nineteenth-Century Weather Observers on Mount Washington” on Wednesday, March 19
The Freedom Historical Society continues its 2025 speaker program series on March 19 with a program entitled “They Paved the Way: Nineteenth-Century Weather Observers on Mount Washington”. It will be presented by Dr. Peter Crane via Zoom at 7:00 PM.
The late nineteenth century saw two separate, but related, scientific endeavors on Mount Washington. In the winter of 1870-1871, an expedition led by geologists Charles Hitchcock and Joshua Huntington endured more than six frigid months atop the Northeast’s highest peak, establishing a weather station and observing/documenting the mountain-top’s weather extremes of cold, wind, snow, and ice. Their one-season foray led to the occupation of the summit by soldiers of the U.S. Army Signal Service, our nation’s first weather service, which had a presence on the mountain for two decades more. These pioneering activities served as an inspiration for the founders of the Mount Washington Observatory in 1932 – an institution which now has continued its work for more than ninety years.
Peter Crane is currently Curator of the Mount Washington Observatory’s Gladys Brooks Memorial Library, which features books, maps, prints, photos, and other material relating to the history and science of the Observatory, Mount Washington, and the White Mountains. He has previously worked for the U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Mountain Club in resource management, public information, and educational roles. He began his Observatory career in 1988 and held positions of weather observer, summit shift manager, Museum Manager, and Director of Educational Programs. Peter did his undergraduate work at Harvard College and earned his doctoral degree in Folklore and Folklife from the University of Pennsylvania, writing his dissertation on the abandoned White Mountains logging village of Livermore.
Members of the Freedom Historical Society and the general public are welcome and invited to register in advance to obtain access information using the blue Zoom link below. Please join the Zoom meeting prior to the 7 PM start time on Wednesday, March 19. For more information or questions, please call (603) 491-8347.
Freedom Historical Society Presents “Covered Bridges of New Hampshire – Past and Present” on Wednesday, February 19
The Freedom Historical Society begins our 2025 speaker program series on February 19 with a program entitled “Covered Bridges of New Hampshire – Past and Present”. It is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. The program is free and will be presented via Zoom at 7:00 PM.
New Hampshire was once home to over 300 covered bridges. Today, there are over sixty, forty-six of which are over a century old. These bridges exist solely because of the efforts of a small but powerful community that both recognized their significance and honored their tradition. Join us as author and photographer Kim Varney Chandler shares an overview of covered bridges in the Granite State along with interesting facts she uncovered while researching her 2022 book, Covered Bridges of New Hampshire. Learn more about both existing and lost bridges in our area.
Kim is a two-time graduate of the University of New Hampshire (’91 and ‘96G) and when not immersed in the past, works a high school counselor. She is a life member of the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges and a member of the New Hampshire Historical Society, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, the Historical Society of Cheshire County, and the Hancock Historical Society.
Members of the Freedom Historical Society and the general public are welcome and invited to register in advance to obtain access information using the blue Zoom links above or below. Please join the Zoom meeting prior to the 7 PM start time on Wednesday, February 19. For more information or questions, please call (603) 491-8347.
Freedom Historical Society & Museum 