Look back on our events through the years!
Annual Meeting & Presentation: Songs of Emigration - 2020
Through traditional music, Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki relays some of the adventures, misadventures, and emotions experienced by Irish emigrants. The focus is on songs about leaving Ireland, sometimes focusing on the reasons for leaving, sometimes revealing what happened upon arrival, and sometimes exploring the universal feeling of homesickness of a stranger in a strange land. The presenter discusses the historical context of these songs, interspersing their stories with tunes from Ireland that made their way into New England’s musical repertoire, played on his fiddle or guitar.
Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki is an award-winning fiddler who grew up playing dances and folk festivals around New England. He was first recognized as part of New Hampshire’s culture at the age of 12, when he was the youngest member of the delegation representing the State at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. He has toured nationally with bands in various genres, performed across Ireland, and released multiple recordings of Celtic music that can be heard on radio stations around New England. He currently performs over 200 shows each year, mostly with his own band, the Jordan TW Trio. His lifelong passion for history helps bring to life the traditional music around which he built his career.
Annual Meeting and potluck dinner at 7pm, program at 8p.
When: Thursday May 21st, 2020 7p
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki is an award-winning fiddler who grew up playing dances and folk festivals around New England. He was first recognized as part of New Hampshire’s culture at the age of 12, when he was the youngest member of the delegation representing the State at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. He has toured nationally with bands in various genres, performed across Ireland, and released multiple recordings of Celtic music that can be heard on radio stations around New England. He currently performs over 200 shows each year, mostly with his own band, the Jordan TW Trio. His lifelong passion for history helps bring to life the traditional music around which he built his career.
Annual Meeting and potluck dinner at 7pm, program at 8p.
When: Thursday May 21st, 2020 7p
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
The Emerging LiDAR Landscape - 2020
Rick Chormann will provide introduction to LiDAR technology and how it works, discuss numerous examples of applications with plenty of examples of LiDAR images with an emphasis on glacial landforms, and conclude with a segment on stone walls as landforms, their place in New Hampshire history, and the New Hampshire Stone Wall Mapping project.
Chormann, as state geologist is under the purview of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services in Concord, is a lifelong stone wall enthusiast who came to the Granite State in 1979 to get a graduate degree in geology at the University of New Hampshire and never left. In an effort to get citizens involved in that history, as well as to utilize modern web-based technology (and to share his knowledge about geology in the process), Chormann has initiated a crowdsourcing project (obtaining information by enlisting the services of a large number of people) that aims to map the state’s entire inventory of stone walls, which could end up totaling more than 150,000 miles of walls.
When: Thursday April 16th, 2020 7:30p
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
Chormann, as state geologist is under the purview of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services in Concord, is a lifelong stone wall enthusiast who came to the Granite State in 1979 to get a graduate degree in geology at the University of New Hampshire and never left. In an effort to get citizens involved in that history, as well as to utilize modern web-based technology (and to share his knowledge about geology in the process), Chormann has initiated a crowdsourcing project (obtaining information by enlisting the services of a large number of people) that aims to map the state’s entire inventory of stone walls, which could end up totaling more than 150,000 miles of walls.
When: Thursday April 16th, 2020 7:30p
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
12,000 Years Ago in the Granite State - 2020
The native Abenaki people played a central role in the history of the Monadnock region, defending it against English settlement and forcing the abandonment of Keene and other Monadnock area towns during the French and Indian Wars. Despite this, little is known about the Abenaki, and conventional histories often depict the first Europeans entering an untamed, uninhabited wilderness, rather than the homeland of people who had been there for hundreds of generations. Robert Goodby discusses how the real depth of native history was revealed when an archaeological study prior to construction of the new Keene Middle School discovered traces of four structures dating to the end of the Ice Age. Undisturbed for 12,000 years, the site revealed information about the economy, gender roles, and household organization of the Granite State’s very first inhabitants, as well as evidence of social networks that extended for hundreds of miles across northern New England.
Robert Goodby is a professor of Anthropology at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge. He holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from Brown University and has spent the last thirty years studying Native American archaeological sites in New England. He is a past president of the New Hampshire Archeological Society, a former Trustee of the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner, and served on the New Hampshire Commission on Native American Affairs. In 2010, he directed the excavations of four 12,000 year-old Paleoindian dwelling sites at the Tenant Swamp site in Keene.
When: Thursday March 19th, 2020 7:30p
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
Robert Goodby is a professor of Anthropology at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge. He holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from Brown University and has spent the last thirty years studying Native American archaeological sites in New England. He is a past president of the New Hampshire Archeological Society, a former Trustee of the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner, and served on the New Hampshire Commission on Native American Affairs. In 2010, he directed the excavations of four 12,000 year-old Paleoindian dwelling sites at the Tenant Swamp site in Keene.
When: Thursday March 19th, 2020 7:30p
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
Growing Up and Growing Old in Rural NH - 2019
Growing Up and Growing Old in Rural NH: A Reflection on How Things Have Changed. In three quarters of a century, vast changes have swept over rural New Hampshire. Steve Taylor, a lifelong resident of a small town, will discuss the changes in the land and the environment, transportation, employment, family living, social life, and demographics that he has observed over the span of his 80 years. Drawing on his career as a newspaperman, farmer, and public official, he will examine how economic forces, decisions in Concord and Washington, the coming of television, changing cultural values, and other influences brought dramatic upheaval to the state’s small towns and rural climes. And he will illustrate his points with stories, often amusing, drawn from personal experience.
When: Thursday November 14th, 2019 7:30p
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
When: Thursday November 14th, 2019 7:30p
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
The History of Agriculture as Told By Barns - 2019
The History of Agriculture as Told by Barns tells the story of the evolution of barn architecture in New Hampshire. Barns changed from the early English style, to Yankee style, to gambrel, and then pole barns to accommodate the changing agriculture. This presentation will be a chronological walk through time, with photo illustrations of barns around the state that are examples of these eras of agricultural history.
John Porter was raised on a dairy farm in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. Degree in Animal Science, and then went on to get a master’s degree from Cornell University in Animal Nutrition and Farm Management. Later he earned a master’s degree from Bob Jones University in Education Administration. He served as a Dairy Specialist for the UNH Cooperative Extension from 1974 until his retirement in 2006. He still works part-time for UNH and operates his own consulting company, Farm Planning Services, LLC. In 2001, he co-authored the book “Preserving Old Barns”; in December, 2007, was editor and contributing author of “The History and Economics of the New Hampshire Dairy Industry”; and in 2011, wrote the agriculture chapter for the Concord History book, “Crosscurrents of Change”. In 2019, he published a second edition of the Preserving Old Barns book.
When: Thursday October 17th, 2019 7:30p
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
John Porter was raised on a dairy farm in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. Degree in Animal Science, and then went on to get a master’s degree from Cornell University in Animal Nutrition and Farm Management. Later he earned a master’s degree from Bob Jones University in Education Administration. He served as a Dairy Specialist for the UNH Cooperative Extension from 1974 until his retirement in 2006. He still works part-time for UNH and operates his own consulting company, Farm Planning Services, LLC. In 2001, he co-authored the book “Preserving Old Barns”; in December, 2007, was editor and contributing author of “The History and Economics of the New Hampshire Dairy Industry”; and in 2011, wrote the agriculture chapter for the Concord History book, “Crosscurrents of Change”. In 2019, he published a second edition of the Preserving Old Barns book.
When: Thursday October 17th, 2019 7:30p
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
Historic House Tour of 38 Main Street in Hollis - 2018
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We toured 38 Main Street in Hollis, learned about architecture and history and then gathered in a historic bar for music and refreshments.
When: Saturday October 13, 2018 1p-5p Where: 38 Main Street, Hollis, NH |
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Annual Meeting and Potluck Dinner - 2017
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For our 2017 annual meeting we welcomed Fred Marple (as seen on NH Chronicle) presenting Yankee humor, music, and assorted nonsense for the whole family!
When: Thursday May 18th at 7pm Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH |
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Faces Make Places: Celebrating Hollis Women - 2017
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In celebrating the Hollis Woman’s Club 110th anniversary, biographies of several Hollis women were researched and written to highlight who they were, what impact they had on the community, and what motivated them to accomplish all that they did.
Kimber Harmon of Hollis, a past president of the Hollis Woman’s Club, told us of Hollis Women from Anna Keys Powers to Hilda Hildreth. This program was open to the public and FREE. When: Thursday April 20th, 2017 at 7:30pm Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH |
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Antiques Appraisal Fundraiser - 2016
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Seasoned antique appraiser Jason Hackler of New Hampshire Antique Co-op and several expert, professional appraisers joined us at the Lawrence Barn for appraisals. The proceeds from this fundraiser contributed to the Historical Society's mission of preserving and sharing the history of Hollis, New Hampshire.
When: Saturday, October 22nd, 2016 11a-1p Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH |
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Annual Meeting and Program: That Reminds Me of a Story - 2016
Stories speak to us of community. They hold our history and reflect our identity. Rebecca Rule is a storyteller/humorist from the New Hampshire Humanities Council who visited us again with her own brand of Yankee wit and vision. She has made it her mission over the last 20 years to collect stories of New Hampshire, especially those that reflect what’s special about this rocky old place. She told some of those stories -- her favorites are the funny ones -- and invited audience members to contribute a few stories of their own. She always entertains us and everyone left with a smile. A great complement to our annual meeting and meal.
When: Thursday, May 19th, 2016 7pm Annual Meeting, Program at 8pm
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
When: Thursday, May 19th, 2016 7pm Annual Meeting, Program at 8pm
Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH
Historic House Tour of 28 Main Street in Hollis - 2015
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A Historic House Tour…and more. Tour 10 fascinating antique rooms, enjoy music, wine, cider, delectable sweets and savories under the tent (and check out a fairy garden along the way).
Tickets $20 in advance/$25 at the door To benefit the Hollis Historical Society Call (603)465-2884 (Freddi) or (603)882-4087 (Sharon) When: Saturday, Sept 12, 2015 1:00 to 5:00 pm Where: 28 Main Street, Hollis, NH |
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Christmas Party - 2014
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The Hollis Historical Society gathers at the Wheeler House to celebrate Christmas!
When: Where: The Wheeler House, 20 Main St., Hollis, NH |
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Patriotic Afghan Blanket Raffle - 2014
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This beautiful afghan was created and donated by Historical Society volunteer, Phyllis Houle. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and are available:
- at the Wheeler House - at the Always Ready Engine House - at the Hollis Historical Society booth on Old Home Day - at the October 16th meeting at the Lawrence Barn - emailing the Hollis Historical Society When: November 20th, 2015 Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH |
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Hollis Open Barns: Lecture and Tour - 2014
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New Hampshire Preservation Alliance and co-hosts, Freedom's Way National Heritage Area and Hollis Historical Society, hosted a spectacular day of barn exploration in Hollis! The morning kicked off at the town-owned Lawrence Barn with the inaugural presentation of “Interesting Features of NH Barns” by John Porter, co-author of Preserving Old Barns. Following John’s talk, attendees ate their pre-ordered lunches and tour booklets (with barn descriptions and map) and headed out to explore the wonderful barns of Hollis. Barn experts presented at each barn to answer questions and guide visitors. Proceeds of the tour benefited barn preservation throughout New Hampshire.
When: Saturday, Sept 27, 2014 10:00a to 4:00 pm Where: The Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd., Hollis, NH *Lecture at the Lawrence Barn in Hollis, tour throughout town |
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Powder Horn Engraving Reenactment - 2014
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Jim Hayden, Revolutionary War re-enactor demonstrated powder horn engraving and spoke of the life and times of a Revolutionary War soldier.
When: Sunday, July, 2014 1:00p to 4:00 pm Where: The Wheeler House, 20 Main St., Hollis, NH |
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Restoration Celebration- 2013
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The Hollis Historical Society held an open house at the recently restored Whiting/Poole/Hackett House. This was a benefit for the Hollis Historical Society Capital Fund to maintain the Society’s museums. Nine rooms were open for the tour and visitors were able to view, at their leisure, the extensive renovation work completed after November, 2008, when a boiler explosion in the basement damaged much of the main floor. The lovely interiors and antique furnishings have been meticulously maintained by the current owners. Docents were available throughout the house to describe the two-story, hip-roofed, Georgian style dwelling and answer questions as well as the general contractor who oversaw the restoration.
The house was constructed in 1771 for Benjamin Whiting, High Sheriff of Hillsborough County in the Province of New Hampshire. Whiting lived here only a short time, leaving the state in 1776 owing to the unpopularity of the laws he was required to enforce by order of the British Crown. The property was sold to William Poole of Boston in 1875 as a residence for his parents, Benjamin Poole and Rebecca Eastman Poole, beginning over 125 years of ownership by the same family. The grounds of the Hackett House were also available to tour and enjoy. Wine, cider, and refreshments were served, and music was playing in both the house and the adjacent barn. Parking was available in an adjoining lot. When: October 19, 2013 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Where: 19 Main Street, Hollis, New Hampshire |
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