Overview
The Newport Historical Society newsletter reports successful fundraising and preservation efforts for Pier and Wright’s covered bridges, including exceeded matching gifts, combined grants totaling $611,000, and planned 2008 restoration work. It also promotes ongoing contribution channels and membership outreach to support local heritage projects.
The issue details society governance updates, upcoming programs, research resources (Sullivan County deeds), museum gift offerings, and local history features such as the Kelsey genealogy and George B. Wheeler’s legacy.
You can read the online version of the newsletter here.
This quarterly newsletter is generally published in January, April, July and October.
Main Points
- Bridge Preservation Fundraising: The Newport Historical Society successfully raised over $100,000 to match a $500,000 Transportation Enhancement Grant for covered bridge preservation, exceeding their goal with $101,732.72 raised by 2007.
- Additional Grants and Project Scope: An extra $111,000 grant was secured for fire suppression at Wright’s Bridge, bringing the total project pool to $611,000, with ongoing fundraising for further repairs.
- Sullivan County Deeds Online Access: Sullivan County land title deeds from 1827 onward can be searched online, with instructions provided for accessing records from 1827 to the present and earlier records available in Keene and Concord.
- NHS Membership Drive and Benefits: The Newport Historical Society ran a membership drive in November 2007, offering raffle prizes and multiple membership categories, including Junior, Family, and Corporate/Business levels.
- Revised Society Constitution: The Society adopted a revised constitution establishing a three-person Museum Board, new membership types, and clarified its mission and terminology.
- Kelsey Family Genealogy: The Kelsey family, among Newport’s original settlers, traces its lineage from William Kelsey of England (b. ~1600) through multiple generations to current Newport residents, with detailed burial locations provided.
- George B. Wheeler’s Legacy: George B. Wheeler, a prominent Newport financier, left a significant estate to the town, funding the George B. Wheeler Memorial Gymnasium, dedicated in 1950 at Towle High School.
- Community Engagement: The Newport Historical Society encourages public involvement through membership, donations of historical items, and participation in programs and genealogical projects.
Check out our Events Calendar to keep informed of upcoming events!
Discover more from Newport, NH Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.