What's going on at the Wigwam?? 

If you've been to the Wigwam recently you've no doubt noticed a few significant changes.

Frank Montesanto, husband of Lisa Montesanto, pictured here with their son Christopher, built these raised panel cabinet doors off the foyer to give a more finished appearance to the cabinets.

Beautiful finish carpentry by Frank Montesanto

In order to better utilize space, Frank and Dave Clark discussed and formulated a plan to reach this goal. The Parlor/Kitchen vignette that was centered in the large display room has been entirely reconfigured and reproportioned. Using his expertise garnered by a career in the film industry, Frank rebuilt the vignette and placed it on casters. Now the display, when finished, can be easily moved about allowing a variety of display options.

Historical Society of Amherst, New Hampshire

Annual Antiques on the Green

Saturday, September 19th was a picture perfect autumn day; temperatures were in the low 70's, bright sunshine in a cloudless sky with light breezes from the west.  Hundreds of citizens and those from away gathered to stroll Amherst Common, hunt for antiques and even enjoy lunch.

Join with the Historical Society of Amherst, NH as we honor and recognize the many achievements and generosity of long time resident Bill Wichman.

August 5, 2015 was a perfect summer evening as a rainbow appeared over the Wigwam to open our meeting and honor Bill.

Blanche and Bill Wichman have lived and contributed to the town of Amherst for nearly 50 years.

Society president Dave Clark opened the meeting by detailing Bill's valuable contributions to the town. As well as having been the society's newsletter editor, Bill has been instrumental on many town committees including; Amherst Storm Water Committee, The Open Space Committee, Amherst Land Trust, the Amherst Conservation Commission and others too.

Society members gathered at the Wigwam on a beautiful summer evening to celebrate Bill's contributions to both the Historical Society and the town of Amherst.

Amherst Selectmen Reed Panasitti, Chairman Dwight Brew and Tom Grella read the proclamation recognizing the many valuable contributions of our Newsletter Editor, Bill Wichman.

Blanche and Bill Wichman and State Representitive Bob Rowe as society President Dave Clark addresses the group.

Bill joined by Amherst Selectmen, Tom Grella, Dwight Brew, Reed Panasitti and Society President Dave Clark.

Presented to Bill by the Selectmen of the town of Amherst.

Sue Clark preparing a plate of hors d'oeuvres for Bill.

Bill by the societies Concord Coach. Built by Abbott-Downing Company in Concord, NH in 1849, it returned to Amherst in 1968 and was restored in 1975.

Bill and Blanche joined by society members; Janice McDermott, Chris Marshall, Brian Handwerk and Dave Clark as the meeting came to an end.

The Wigwam Museum

Sunday, 17 May 2015

17 Middle Street, Amherst Village, Amherst, New Hampshire.

Sunday, May 17 was a beautiful spring day here in Amherst with warm temperatures, light winds and bright blues skies punctuated with perfectly formed cumulous clouds. Take a stroll behind the Wigwam and enjoy the beautiful gardens maintained by the Amherst Garden Club. 

The back of the Wigwam, built in 1839 by the First Methodist Society. In 1902 the Society sold the building. It has served many owners over the years, finally acquired by the Historical Society of Amherst, NH in 1969. This is one of two museums operated by the Historical Society that houses its historically significant artifacts.  

The front entrance on Middle Street. Today is 17 May, Hidden Treasures Weekend, so let's go inside and listen to Jackie Marshall speaking about our very own Concord Coach.

Jackie, far right is our Genealogy Chair. Her husband Chris is the Wigwam curator and Susan Fischer is the Director of Museums. Remember... we have two! Today Jackie is speaking about our Concord Coach, built in 1849 and acquired by the museum in 1968.

The overflow crowd listens from the large display area.

THE OBJECT OF TODAY'S LECTURE.

Built in 1849 by J.S. Abbott in Concord, NH this is coach number 19 that was restored in 1975.

She has a very long history, as does the company that built her just up the road in Concord. To learn more about this historic artifact click HERE to learn about our museums, their hours and artifacts.

The photos below are only a few from the vast scrapbook assembled by the society. Other pages, from local newspapers reveal interesting historical information.

And for the philatelists among us, the coach even enjoys her own "cover." We've hardly scratched the surface here. To learn more about your town, your historical society and those who came before us, click HERE and HERE and enjoy the journey.

               

If you'd like to learn more about this exciting event, follow this LINK.

Many towns in New England are participating in this event but Amherst residents may find the following of special interest.

Amherst, NH May 17: 1pm & 3pm
Amherst’s Concord Coach
Visit the Museum and see this historical jewel. Hear Jackie Marshall speak about its special history. Restored in 1976, this coach transported visitors to and from the railroad station and Amherst Village for years. Learn about the heyday of this form of transportation and get up close and personal with the travelers’ experience.
Wigwam Museum, 17 Middle Street 

Above is the Historical Society's very own CONCORD COACH on display in the Society's WIGWAM MUSEUM on Middle street.

Would you like to learn more about Amherst's exciting history?

It's easy....

Click HERE and HERE.