…is the motto of the Tamworth Historical Society, and we invite you to join us in celebrating our town’s past, present and future! Let’s start with a summary of what THS is up to as of October 2013.

We are excited about our current projects and activities. We’ll be reprinting The Tamworth Narrative, and completing a booklet on the town’s historic mills. We plan mini-displays at schools and libraries, perhaps at the Town Office or local businesses. We’re working on involving more young people. And we’re holding brainstorming sessions on our mission, purpose, and long-range goals.

In 2008 we bought the handsome 1830s Hall-Dyer House at 25 Great Hill Road, a lively, accessible location in the center of Tamworth Village, across from The Barnstormers and the future Tamworth Distillery. Once our building is renovated and open to the public, we picture an inviting museum with changing exhibits from our extensive collection, as well as ample space for storage, archives and research.

Last year THS raised funds to match a NH Preservation Alliance grant for a building condition assessment, and hired Norman Larson of Christopher Williams Architects and Jason Ross of HEB Engineering. Their report (due any day) will outline what’s possible structurally in the context of the building’s historic features. We aren’t planning a ‘restoration’, but a careful rehabilitation to maximize attractive, functional space. Meanwhile, we’re moving our collection into temporary storage kindly donated around town. Our regular programs and research will continue. (See calendar for upcoming programs.)

We will apply for a NH Charitable Fund grant to hire a fundraising consultant to help plan our campaign. We’ll be searching for local, state and national funding opportunities. We are grateful for the support and encouragement of our members and friends, and hope to inspire more of the same!

Perhaps you have enjoyed a recent THS program: Bob Cottrell speaking on the famous Chocorua view and new coin, Geoff Burke expounding on canoes, Ann Albrecht leading an exploration of mill sites. Maybe Joan Casarotto or Donna Whipple helped you research an ancestor. Did you hear Bob Newton’s ‘Geology of the Ossipees’ talk, or catch our Lyceum photo exhibit ‘Extraordinary Tamworth People’? Perhaps you’re new to town, have read Look to the Mountain and are just catching the Tamworth history bug. We are always looking for new board and committee members, volunteer help, and program ideas.

2016 is the 250th anniversary of Tamworth’s founding. Please join us in starting to think how to celebrate. As one of its birthday gifts to the town, THS plans to have the Hall-Dyer House at least partly renovated and open. We would love your help in meeting this goal!

Kate Thompson, THS President