Hillsborough’s History Alive plans to return Aug. 21 and 22. Volunteers and exhibitors are being sought now.
Enthusiasm is running high for a robust and expanded event, which will once again include the Jones Road Site as well as historic town center. Events featured last summer for the one-day event at Hillsboro Center were well received and the picnic, the parade, and excellent speakers will continue. The Jones Road reenactments will be increased to include elements and battles of the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War, with regiments coming from multiple states and Canada. The popular dance tent will return to the site for the lively Saturday evening shindig.
The Town of Hillsborough’s 250th anniversary will commence at the end of 2021 and run through 2022. It is a town event and is currently being worked on by a committee dedicated to a year of fun and celebrations of many types. History Alive is working closely with the committee to create an extra special 2022 summer event focusing on the story of the town from its founding in 1772.
As a precursor to that event, History Alive will feature the prehistory of the town. Including the native inhabitants and the natural environment first encountered by European settlers in the early 18th century.
Come discover the real meanings of the Abenaki names given to our rivers and mountains in our state (for example, Contoocook, Winnipesaukee, Monadnock and Ossipee). Learn what the Indians taught the early settlers about surviving in the wilderness and the long, cold winters. Exhibits and demonstrations will include Abenaki and Penacook basket weaving, food sources, local plants for food, medicine, dyes, wigwam building, and the oral tradition of legends. Find out about the climate in those early days, music of the early settlers, and how they built their first dwellings. Watch friends and family members perform stories of our ancestors.
Finally join in a parade around the Center led by our local antique cyclist celebrity, James McDonough which will include singing, music, and goodies
For baseball fans, for the first time, we will have a hands-on demonstration of early baseball as well as explanatory exhibits and a demo game. For 2022, plans are being made for a full game at one of the event locations for that special year
Put the August dates on your calendars. All timely recommended health/safety protocols will be followed with most activities occurring outside. Mobility-challenged transport will be available on a limited basis.
Join the fun as a volunteer for the event or even an exhibiter specializing in crafts/skills/arts of the period. Call 478-5650 or send an email via the website, historyalive.nh.org. Interested in 250th Anniversary Committee? Contact jessicaagranger2@gmail.com.