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Historical Society Projects

The Historical Society's first project was the Barnstead 250 Year Celebration in 1977. It included commemorative coins, a militia re-enactment, a large parade, and other activities sponsored by the Society. Many of these items are on permanent display in a cabinet in the town hall near the stage.

Annual Christmas Sale

The largest on-going project is a yearly Christmas Sale held on the Saturday of the first weekend in December. This is the largest source of income for the Society. Local crafters are invited to share their goods, be it baked, knitted, crocheted, sewn, wreaths, etc., with a small table fee being charged. A raffle is also held that day that includes local items, including gift certificates, crafts, and other items generously donated by many.

Old Home Day

The Historical Society has eagerly participated in Old Home Day since its return in 2023. The display varies around the theme of the yearly event. In 2023, Life on the Farm showed photos and other items related to the history of farming in Barnstead. In 2024, the Salute to Veterans included multiple items from the collection, including uniforms, certificates and photos.

The little jail, or "lock-up"Past Projects

  • Barnstead's 250th Birthday Recipe Book reprint. In 2023, the original Recipe Book was reprinted and met with resounding success. It has become a staple of the Annual Christmas Sale and other events throughout the year.
  • Stuart Merrill Memorial Bench. In 2021, through a generous donation from his wife Grace, proceeds from the sale of his published books, and donations from many others, were used to purchase and place a granite bench in front of the Tramp House honoring his commitment to Barnstead. 
  • The Tramp House (little jail or lock-up),  situated between the Town Hall and the Center fire station, originally built in 1888, was restored and was dedicated on October 21, 1989. The roof was replaced in 2016.
  • Helped to sponsor the Brigadier General Harrison Thyng Memorial in Pittsfield. [2004]
  • Sponsored the repair and refurbishment of the Center bandstand. [1998]
  • Purchased and planted a tree on the Parade Ground in memory of Carl Knirsch. [1996]
  • Published a facsimile edition of Walter J. Hillsgrove's [1888-1966] "Recollections of Barnstead." [1994]
  • Sponsored the wrought iron railing installed by Bud Carpenter on the stage in front of the Seward Mill Curtain. [1991]
  • The restoration of the Seward Mill painting on the stage curtain in the Town Hall was sponsored in conjunction with the NightHawk Hollow Seniors. The curtain now hangs permanently on the back wall of the stage. [1983]

Other Projects

  • The Barnstead Oral History Project, inaugurated by Constance Mitchell. Transcribers are still needed for this project.
  • Changing exhibits in cases at the Town Hall.
  • A permanent historical panel display dedicated to the memory of Madeline Palmer; also at the Town Hall.
  • William J. Walker "Barnstead Records" database.