Historical Society of Amherst, New Hampshire

Our Museums

are located on Middle Street in Amherst Village and are full of interesting artifacts, pictures, paintings and other pertinent historical items. Stop in for a visit and learn a little about your town. This may inspire you to return to learn a lot!

Both museums, located within walking distance of one another, are open on the Second Saturday of each month from May through October from 1 to 4 pm. They're also open  and accommodate large groups of citizens during the July 4th celebration and during Antiques on the Green in September.  

What's that you say? You're not available during those times? No problem, curators Susan Fischer and Chris Marshall, with some advanced notice, can arrange for your group to step back in time and and learn of your past when it is convenient. 

The Chapel Museum, built in 1858, is located at the corner of Middle and Church Streets in Amherst Village. It's primary function was to serve the Congregational Church during the winter months, but as well has seen duty as a school room as late as the 1950's while the Clark School was being built. 

Curator Susan Fischer and friends repairing the dehumidifier that helps protect the collections.

For those of us who are fortunate enough to be an alumni of a one or two room schoolhouse, you'll feel right at home as you enter the Chapel Museum. The high ceilings, creaking floors, tall windows and even the familiar, musty aroma will return you to an earlier time. 

Maps, photography, paintings, scrap books, post cards, written records and Civil War artifacts can be found here. You've heard of Amherst's buggy whip factory? With a staff of 18 in 1832, they were among the towns largest employers and you can see one of their whips here. 

Curator Chris Marshall, at the entrance to the Wigwam Museum on Middle Street. Chris is preparing for the nearly one thousand trick-or-treaters that will visit during Halloween. But why do they call it the Wigwam? A new, much steeper roof line was created during the renovation of 1879, causing local citizens to designate it as "The Wigwam." Of course!

Taken at the same spot where Chris is standing above, you can see in this 1920 photo that they even painted a sign identifying it as the Wigwam.

A little larger look at the museum that was constructed in 1839 as the Methodist Church.

Our Concord Coach and Abbot-Downing of Concord, New Hampshire have fascinating histories. Some of those facts concerning our coach are listed below. But the best way to learn about this unique treasure is to stop by the Wigwam for a visit.

Built in 1849 and acquired by the Historical Society of Amherst, NH 119 years later in 1968.

From the AMHERST CITIZEN.

Jackie Marshall holding The Boston Post Cane, another example of a Wigwam treasure.

In 1909, Boston Post editor Edwin Grozier, dispatched 700 ebony and gold capped canes to the selectman of 700 towns in New England. They were to be issued to that towns oldest male citizen. Women were included by the mid 1930's though. The cane, that came to be known as THE BOSTON POST CANE, would be passed on to the next oldest citizen upon the previous holders death. Many towns still engage in this tradition, but numerous canes have been lost, stolen or destroyed. Interesting stories exist though about canes lost for decades that have re-surfaced in attics or returned by a purchaser, found at a flea market. Ours still exists, is on display at the Wigwam Museum and last issued to long time resident Gladys Pestana.

Made by J.F. Fradley and Co of New York, they were constructed of African ebony and a 14-carat gold, engraved cap. Barbara Staples from Mass has written several books about the Boston Post Cane clearing up much misinformation. 

In fact, here's one of her books. She's written another concerning Massachusetts and plans two more about Maine and Rhode Island. I have a particular interest in this relic as a former owner of our home, Charles "Tink" Pherson (1860-1951); blacksmith, wheelwright, coach maker and lumberman possessed it for many years.

You may remember a previous post concerning gravestones in New Hampshire. This is a photo of Moses Nichols gravestone (1790) located behind the town-hall. Moses was a veteran of the Revolutionary War and his site is marked with a veterans marker indicating this. Our own Marie Grella has gone to great lengths to mark these graves during certain holidays. These markers, purchased new from a Pennsylvania company, are paid for through private philanthropy but that pool of donors Marie advised, is diminishing. If you'd like to lend a hand, contributions can be sent to PO Box 86, Amherst, NH 03031. (My check is in the mail Marie...really!)

These are two of the many different veterans grave markers that have been used over the years. Not long ago Jackie Marshall and Marie Grella found a large cache of these markers in a town building, obscured deep beneath years of accumulation. They pulled on rubber gloves, dug them out and cleaned them before displaying them at the Wigwam. Reusing these antiques by placing them on local graves was considered, but pilferage of vintage items like these quickly dissuaded them. 

Taken in front of the Brick School c1912. Elna, row 2, 3rd from left. Allen row 3, 1st from left.

Another interesting site is the Archives room at the Amherst Town Library that's abundant with reference material. Of particular interest are the oral histories with prominent citizens that are available on CD's and tape. 

I recently listened to Elna (1902-1995) and Allen Howard (1902-1986) speak of village life before electricity and plumbing found their way to Amherst. We live in their home and have read and heard much about this colorful local couple, but could now put a voice with their pictures. Can anyone shed light as to the other class members in this photograph?

Just one of the many resources in the library's archives room maintained by the the Historical Society.

Would you like to join the Historical Society of Amherst, NH?
It's simple. Click HERE to find our Home page and then click on MEMBERSHIP in the far left column.

We look forward to seeing you at a meeting.

Do you have something that you'd like to share on this blogsite?
Contact me at
randpeck@gmail.com