The Newport Historical Society
The first Newport Historical Society was established in 1928. Later a new society was incorporated on February 26, 1975 by the State of New Hampshire. The Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Newport, New Hampshire, founded in 1761. The Society’s museum is located in the historic Nettleton House at 20 Central Street, with an extensive collection of artifacts also housed in the annex above the restaurant in the old District Court Building at Courthouse Square, its previous location. Through exhibits, programs, and archival resources, we connect the community with its past and celebrate the stories that have shaped our town. We welcome you to visit and explore Newport’s remarkable heritage.
Mission
The Newport Historical Society builds community by increasing public awareness of Newport, New Hampshire, and Sullivan County’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. It accomplishes this by:
- Collecting, preserving, and displaying objects of historical significance
- Providing educational programs
- Supporting historical research
- Fostering public interest in local history
- Supporting the Society and the Newport Historical Society Museum
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
- Dean Stetson – President
- Laura McCrillis Kessler – Vice President
- Pam LaFountain – Secretary
- Tom Nulty – Treasurer
Board Members
- April Anderson
- Cathryn Baird
- Lee Branch
- Arnie Hebert
- Paula Johnson
- Mike Loftus
- Donna Menard
Member Support
- Stan Sweeney – Dexter Maintenance
Business Meetings
The NHS board meetings are open to the public and are normally held on the second Monday of the month (Please check our calendar for the time and place).
Museum
Come and enjoy the rich history of our beloved town! Our current displays include a colonial kitchen, a gallery of fine oil paintings by Andre Champollion, a colonial bedroom, a display room where exhibits are rotated periodically, a research room and a library. If you’ve already visited, please come back again and view our new exhibits.
Museum Hours
The Newport Historical Society Museum is open to the public on most Sundays April through October from 11AM – 2PM.
Special appointments to view the museum can also be made by calling 603-863-1294 or emailing info@newportnhhistory.org.
We have an entrance on Central Street and an entrance from our back parking lot, both of which are handicapped accessible.
Volunteers Needed!
Your Participation is WELCOME and NEEDED! If you have a passion for Our Community, History or Preservation, you will enjoy spending time as a volunteer to help support our mission.
Opportunities are currently available to assist in many ways. The Board of Trustees urges you to join us on Sundays when the Museum is open. We think that you will enjoy the experience!