Mill Town Messenger | Feb 2008

Overview

The Newport Historical Society newsletter reports on local preservation and community activities, highlighting a successful fundraising drive that raised $142,000 for the Pier Bridge project through grants and donations. It summarizes recent grant awards, acknowledges key contributors, and promotes the Society’s mission to conserve Newport’s cultural and historic resources.

The issue also details community programs and events: membership drive results, an oral history workshop, monthly lecture topics, historical talks on Budd Beverages and WWII veterans, genealogical stories of the Kelsey family, the gift shop offerings, and a biography of notable local figure William Cheney.

You can read the online version of the newsletter here.

This quarterly newsletter is generally published in January, April, July and October.

Main Points

• Pier Bridge Fundraising: The Newport Historical Society exceeded its $100,000 fundraising goal for the Pier Bridge project, ultimately raising $142,000 through local contributions and grants, including significant support from organizations such as NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, Tourism Cares, and others.
• Grant Support: Five major grants contributed over $65,000 to the Pier Bridge project, with notable grants from NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program ($40,000), Tourism Cares ($10,000), Newport Charitable Fund ($5,000), David Greenewalt Charitable Trust ($5,000), and Mascoma Savings Bank Foundation ($1,700).
• Membership Growth: The Society’s first annual membership drive in November brought in 40 new members, increasing total membership to 119, and included a raffle with community-donated prizes.
• Oral History Workshop: A free, all-day oral history workshop was scheduled for April 19, 2008, sponsored by the UNH Center for Humanities and NH Humanities Council, with registration open to the public.
• Historical Programs: Educational programs covered topics such as Budd Beverages’ history, World War II experiences of local residents, and post-Revolutionary Black settlements in New Hampshire.
• Kelsey Family History: The Kelsey family played a significant role in Newport’s early settlement, with multiple generations building homes and participating in key historical events, including Civil War service.
• Gift Shop Fundraising: The Newport Historical Society’s gift shop, originally for the Pier Bridge project, now supports various programs and offers items like Newport-themed ornaments and pottery.
• William Cheney’s Legacy: William Cheney, a major early contributor to Newport, was instrumental in establishing Sullivan County, building key local infrastructure, and donating land for public use, including the Common and Baptist Church.

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