February, 2024
Dear Museum Supporter,
553 Main Street, P.O. Box 169
Franconia, New Hampshire 03580
The 2023 season was a great success, highlighted by the town’s July celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the first settlement in Franconia. FAHC contributed to the celebration by sponsoring a swing dance at the Lafayette Regional School. Over 100 people attended and danced to music performed by the 18 piece Tall Granite Big Band. Free swing dance lessons were offered ahead of the dance, the cost of which was generously donated by a warmhearted supporter. FAHC also entered a float into the Old Home Day Parade. Our “working” 1/6th scale model of the Iron Furnace was a huge hit, and took the “Most Creative” category.
In October, The Franconia Heritage Museum was represented by Alyssa Sherburn and Brandon Dexter, of Pinestead Farm, at the Lafayette Recreation Well Fest, and provided demonstrations of their 130-year-old cider mill. It was great fun to see yesterday's technology come to life! Halloween at the Museum welcomed trick-ortreaters for treats including cider and donuts donated by the Franconia Coffee Shop, and the opportunity to have photos taken in spooky cut-out scenes donated by Marimo Dance Studio. Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance in December which attracted nearly 100 families and their young children, who had the opportunity to sit with Santa in a 19th century sleigh from Ski Hearth Farm donated by Joan Hannah Visitors were welcomed into the museum for holiday punch and cookies. The FAHC Annual Meeting and dinner was held in November at the Franconia Inn, with approximately 40 people in attendance. Jayne O’Connor, Franconia Cemetery Trustee, in characte r as the wife of Zebedee Applebee, led a tour of the Willow Cemetery, prior to the meeting.
The FAHC Board has been planning for an exciting and busy 2024 season. Our “C.T. Bodwell - Father of the Flume - His Photographic Legacy” exhibit has been retired after two seasons Our new, yet-to-be named exhibit will feature dozens of recently discovered quilt squares, lovingly created by Franconia area ladies between 18601880. The squares were found beautifully preserved in the attic of Pinestead Farm, by Alyssa Sherburn Narratives and biographies, whenever possible, will be presented with the individual squares. We are developing ideas for several events to celebrate these squares and the ladies who created them, throughout the upcoming season.
Our Maintenance Committee is currently addressing several needed repairs to our Museum. We rely on the generosity of our members to maintain our 1878 building. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Museum (self-addressed envelope enclosed). We appreciate any donation you are able to make. We also encourage you to consider volunteering a few hours of your time during our open season; Saturdays from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
The Heritage Council thanks you for your continued support. It is through generous donations from friends like you that we are able to preserve and celebrate the history of the Franconia area.
With warm regards,
Jeff Bartlett President