Atkinson Historical Society

Monday, June 15 - 4:30 p.m.

Atkinson Veterans Club Flag Memorial, 4:30 p.m.

Followed by AHS Open House

The Atkinson Veterans Club Flag Memorial, a respectful flag retirement ceremony, will be held this coming Monday, June 15, at 4:30 p.m. in Old Atkinson Cemetery.

Additionally, Betsy Ross flags will be placed on the graves of the Atkinson men who served in the Revolutionary War in the military, the militia, or as a non-combatant patriotic supporter. The Society collaborated with the Atkinson Veterans Club and the Atkinson Cemetery Coordinator for the placement of these 13-starred flags. Thank you, all!

Atkinson Historical Society will be open following the conclusion of the ceremony for tours of our exhibition, "The Revolutionary War Era: Life in Atkinson," and America 250 T-shirts will be on sale.

Celebrating 71 Years of Preserving Atkinson's History!

Next Membership Meeting
July 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Kimball House Museum
3 Academy Ave.

All are welcome! Come and see what we're about!

LATEST NEWS

NEXT AHS OPEN HOUSES

Saturday, June 6 (10:AM - 12 Noon)

AND

Thursday, June 11 (5 - 6 PM, preceding Kimball Library's Courtyard Concert

Ongoing Exhibition:
"The Revolutionary War Era: Life in Atkinson"
(10 AM - Noon)
Kimball House Museum
3 Academy Ave.

About the exhibition: While addressing the town’s military involvement in the war, the exhibition provides an in-depth look at various aspects of life in Atkinson during this time period. On display will be a roster of Atkinson’s soldiers, profiles on various townspeople, valuation and other town records, images of paintings and drawings related to the period, a list of 1700s houses and roads, early maps and much more!

Our new T-Shirts celebrating Atkinson and America's 250th
will be available for purchase!

For T-Shirt Purchasing Info, Click Here

Memorial Day 2026
Remembering and Honoring the Men & Women
Who Sacrificed their Lives for our Country

The names of Atkinson's military men who served in the
Revolutionary War will be read this morning at the town ceremony.
Join in this special tribute.

AHS will be open today from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

Please drop by after the town ceremony and visit our Military Room
and 250th Revolutionary War exhibition.

Our "America 250 T-shirts" will be available for purchase.

May 23, 2026

The signs commemorating Atkinson's extant 1700s houses are going up!

To Atkinson's 1700s House homeowners: To participate, please return your letter if you received one.

To the public: Please, no trespassing on the homeowner's property. They graciously allowed us to share the history with everyone.

A map is being designed and will be shared when ready.

Thank you and enjoy!

Click here to learn more about Atkinson's extant 1700s houses and selected historic sites.

May 18, 2026

"Abigail and John Adams" Visit AHS!

This past Saturday during the townwide yard sale, AHS was open for business, selling our highly popular "America 250" T-shirts.

We celebrated the sunshine and friends dropping by, including Paula & Bob Jalbert, who posed behind our classic Abigail & John Adams cutouts!

Fun fact: Abigail Adams visited the Kimball House multiple times during her sister Elizabeth's marriage (1795-1815) to Rev. Stephen Peabody. President John Adams paid a visit to the house in 1807.

Our "America 250" T-shirt sale is ongoing!

Click Here for Info on "America 250" T-shirt Sales

AHS Member Karen Moss & AHS President Kate Rochford

AHS Members also channeled the Adamses!

AHS Members Kay Galloway & Karen Moss

This Saturday, May 16th is the perfect opportunity to buy your "America 250" T-Shirt at AHS!

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon - During Atkinson's Spring Town Wide Yard Sale

AHS/Kimball House Museum, 3 Academy Ave.

Look for our table outside the barn!

$15 - Youth sizes - S, M, L, XL
$20 - Adult sizes S, M, L, XL
$22 - Adult XXL

Celebrate the Nation's 250th this year with this short-sleeved, Navy-blue T-shirt that proudly heralds Atkinson's name and settlement date on the front and the official America250.org logo on the reverse.

May 3, 2026

National Teacher Appreciation Week: May 4 - 8

Thank you from AHS to today's teachers for your dedication to the education of our children and for the inspiration that you instill in them. We celebrate you!

Pictured here are two Atkinson teachers of yesteryear, photographed in front of the Center School, Atkinson's last remaining one-room schoolhouse currently under restoration by AHS. When completed, the Center School will serve as a one-room schoolhouse museum and learning space. The Center School is located at 16 Academy Ave.

Is someone in your family pictured here? Please click below for the students' names.

Teacher/Student Rosters - 1914 and 1935

Above: Three graduates from the Class of 1908, Atkinson Academy

Graduating High School Seniors Residing in Atkinson:
HOP ON BOARD BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

The May 8, 2026, deadline is fast approaching for

Atkinson Historical Society's 2026 Scholarship.
One $1,000 scholarship is available!

The 2026 Atkinson Historical Society Scholarship will be awarded to one graduating high school senior who is an Atkinson resident and attends an accredited high school.

CLICK HERE FOR CRITERIA AND AN APPLICATION

ON DISPLAY!
AHS is honored to include creative renderings of the Revolutionary War Era drawn by Atkinson Academy students for this exhibition!
Thank you, Atkinson Academy artist/historians!

Saturday, May 2

NEXT AHS OPEN HOUSE

Ongoing Exhibition:
"The Revolutionary War Era: Life in Atkinson"
(10 AM - Noon)
Kimball House Museum
3 Academy Ave.

Our new T-Shirts celebrating Atkinson and America's 250th will be available for purchase!

For T-Shirt Info, Click Below:

NEW! T-Shirts Celebrating Atkinson and the Nation's 250th!

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

AHS OPEN HOUSE!
Ongoing Exhibition of life in Atkinson during the
Revolutionary War Era.
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Kimball House Museum
3 Academy Ave.

And during your visit, raffle tickets for three exciting gift baskets will be on sale, PLUS our new T-Shirts celebrating Atkinson and America's 250th will be available for purchase!

Above: Graduating Class of 1907, Atkinson Academy

March 31, 2026

2026 Atkinson Historical Society Scholarship

One $1,000 scholarship is available!

The 2026 Atkinson Historical Society Scholarship will be awarded this year to one graduating high school senior who is an Atkinson resident and attends an accredited high school.

The $1,000 scholarship is given on behalf of the Society.

The deadline to apply is May 8, 2026!

CLICK HERE FOR CRITERIA AND AN APPLICATION!

Friday, March 20, 2026

DON'T MISS THESE!

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

AHS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH PRESENTATION
Kimball Library
6:00 p.m.

Register through Kimball Library:
03/26/2026 | Picking Up the Threads: Atkinson Women During the Revolutionary War Era | Kimball Library

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

AHS OPEN HOUSE!
Ongoing Exhibition of life in Atkinson during the Revolutionary War Era.
10 AM - 2 PM
Kimball House Museum
3 Academy Ave.

March 2, 2026

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
AHS will present

“Picking Up the Threads: Atkinson Women During the Revolutionary War Era”

Thursday, March 26, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Kimball Library

To attend, please register with Kimball Library.

Researching women in the Revolutionary War Era frequently presents a challenge. Women’s stories were often overlooked, details of their lives left unrecorded. Because of this, discovering just a “snippet” of a woman’s life is of great significance to historians. Join AHS Curator and genealogist Lucia Cusimano as she shares a treasure box of snippets -- threads of the lives of various Atkinson women of this time period.

The presentation will then continue as Sally Holmes, an AHS director and historian, presents biographical sketches on four Atkinson women who picked up the threads on the homefront during that era: Mary Haseltine Peabody, a young mother of two young children; Judith Badger Cogswell, mother of eight sons who served in the war; Abigail Little Peabody, a general’s wife; and Lydia Springer, a servant. A fifth biographical sketch will be presented on Polly Peabody Webster, Mary Haseltine Peabody's daughter, who was an infant during the war.

February 23, 2026

Thank you to our guests who visited us yesterday to view AHS's opening of our ongoing exhibition, "The Revolutionary War Era: Life in Atkinson."

The opening was a great success because of you!

For upcoming exhibition hours and more photos of the opening event, please click here:

250th Exhibition

You're Invited!Open House Kicking Off AHS's exhibition
"The Revolutionary War Era: Life in Atkinson"
Sunday, February 22, 2026
(2 - 4 p.m.)
Kimball House Museum
3 Academy Ave., Atkinson
About the exhibition: While addressing the town’s military involvement in the war, the exhibition provides an in-depth look at various aspects of life in Atkinson during this time period. On display will be a roster of Atkinson’s soldiers, profiles on various townspeople, valuation and other town records, images of paintings and drawings related to the period, a list of 1700s houses and roads, early maps and much more! About the February 22 Open House: The Exeter Chapter DAR/Daughters of the Revolution will be in attendance in costume, sharing knowledge of the period, and AHS docents will be on hand. Refreshments will be served, and AHS merchandise will be available for purchase. "The Revolutionary War Era: Life in Atkinson"
will be an ongoing exhibition, viewable Wednesdays from
2 - 4 p.m. (beginning Wednesday, February 25th), each first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. - Noon, and additional viewing opportunities TBA.

February 7, 2026

Due to the inclement weather, we will not be open today.
Our next Open House hours will be this coming Wednesday, February 11, from 2 - 4 p.m.
Stay safe and warm. And GO PATS!

Your Friends at AHS

January 8, 2026

On January 5, LChip Historic Resources Specialist George Born paid a site visit for a mid-point check on the Center School Restoration Project. In 2024, LChip (Land & Community Heritage Investment Program) generously awarded AHS a matching grant in the sum of $54,725. Pictured is George presenting AHS President Kate Rochford with a plaque that will be affixed to the building once the exterior restoration has been completed. Thank you, George and LChip!

November 30, 2025

Thank you to Eagle Tribune reporter, Jamie Costa, for writing this marvelous story of the Center School's restoration progress! And thank you to the Eagle Tribune for running the article yesterday!

Center School renovations reach halfway markATKINSON — Contractors have been busy this past summer and fall completing renovations to the west, east and south exterior walls of the Center School.

November 28, 2025

Giving Tuesday is December 2!

As Giving Tuesday is days just away, please consider donating to the Center School Restoration Project.

With the support of our community, AHS is making great strides in the restoration. When completed, this historic building will serve as a one-room schoolhouse museum and learning space! Coming up in Summer 2026 -- the front of the building will be done and will look as fabulous as the rest of the exterior.

Any and all Giving Tuesday donations toward the ongoing work will be greatly appreciated!

Please donate via the Center School's Fundraiser page (button below) or you may mail a check to AHS, PO Box 863, Atkinson, NH 03811.

Gratefully,

The Atkinson Historical Society

Click here for QR Code to donate!

November 12, 2025

Today is AHS's 71st Anniversary! And we've received an amazing gift!
The family of the late Christine Hilliard Wilson has generously shared this image of the Kimball House, photographed in 1880! Note the original colonial style of the house, predating its Victorian renovation at the turn of the 20th century.

Mrs. Wilson was a descendent of Hannah Elizabeth Goodhue Moody Hovey (1818-1896), second wife of Dr. Isaac Burnham Hovey. Dr. Hovey purchased the house from Stephen Peabody II, son of Mary Haseltine Peabody and Reverend Stephen Peabody, in the early 1820s. Hannah and Isaac married in 1869. Isaac died in 1872, Hannah continuing to live in the house until 1882.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Wilson's family!

November 12, 2025

New! AHS Merchandise Display at Town Hall!

Thank you to Atkinson Town Hall for providing us the opportunity to showcase our AHS merchandise in the lobby display case!
Just in time for the holidays!

TO START YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING, CLICK HERE!

History Tidbit: Note the beautiful stained-glass windows, originally from the Grange (1889-1986), and now gracing the Town Hall lobby. Lydia Noyes donated the windows to the Grange in 1913.

November 5, 2025

Announcing
“Most Creative Scarecrow” Winner!
AHS 50/50 Fundraiser Raffle 2025

This year’s winner goes to the Broccoletti family on Hovey Meadow Road. The scarecrow was designed in honor of Mr. Broccoletti, who passed away a few years ago. His birthday was October 31st.

The family donated their winnings to AHS’s Center School Restoration Project.
AHS greatly appreciates their generosity!

~ ~ ~

Scroll down to enjoy our 2025 Honorable Mention entries!

October 19, 2025

Yesterday was a busy day for AHS! We were out and about in the community, sharing our mission and the town's history both at the marvelous Atkinson Women's Civic Club's Fall Artisan Craft & Food Market and on the Atkinson leg of the Frost-Stagecoach Scenic Byway Trolley Tour 2025. It was a great time connecting with new Atkinson residents and saying hello to old friends, as well!

October 12, 2025

A shout out from AHS to thank all our friends and neighbors who stopped by our Center School Open House yesterday to see our restoration progress and to learn about Atkinson's last remaining one-room schoolhouse! The Center School is the future site of a one-room schoolhouse museum and learning space.

Thank you for your generous donations!

The Center School Restoration Project
Phase 8 Now Complete and Looking Fabulous!

October 3, 2025

Phase 8 of the Center School Restoration Project occurred this past summer and early fall, involving the restoration of the West side, rear East side, South (back) side and the removal of the back addition. The schoolhouse interior is clean and empty, awaiting the next phase, the restoration of the original tin ceiling.

A heartfelt shout-out to Drew Bedard and his team from Hall & Parlor Historic Preservation, LLC, for their superb craftsmanship!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MOST RECENT RESTORATION PHOTOS

50.50 raffle flyer 2025 (2).pdf

August 31, 2025

Calling all AHS Scarecrow Owners!

Announcing AHS's 50/50 Fundraiser Raffle:

"Most Creative Scarecrow Contest"
Entry Fee: $10

~Labor Day through October 20th~

For almost 10 years, AHS has been selling scarecrows; and each year, growing numbers are festively displayed by the community in their front yards.

We invite all AHS Scarecrow owners to enter!
50% of the entry fee will go to the lucky winner & 50% will go to AHS to help us continue our preservation work.

Simply snap a photo of your scarecrow display & submit it with your entry form and $10 fee.

Drop off at AHS (open Wednesdays 2 - 4 pm)
Or Mail to AHS, PO Box 863, Atkinson, NH 03811
Or Drop off at our table at Atkinson Day, Sat., Sept. 6, Woodlock Park
Questions? Call us at 603-362-9317 or email us at atkinson.nh.history@gmail.com

FOR ENTRY FORM, CLICK ON THE ABOVE FLYER IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD.

(AHS will verify the location of each entry.)

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

"OUR HOMETOWN, ATKINSON, N.H."

A NEWSPAPER FOR KIDS & THE YOUNG AT HEART

July 2025

AHS is proud to launch the first edition of "OUR HOMETOWN, ATKINSON, NH."
As the banner proclaims, this is a newspaper for our youth and young at heart!

Developed and written by talented AHS member, Johanna St. Pierre, OUR HOMETOWN is focused on engaging children in Atkinson's rich history! Thank you, Johanna!

Please enjoy reading this pilot issue!

CLICK HERE TO READ "OUR HOMETOWN" ONLINE

Copies of OUR HOMETOWN
are also currently available at
Kimball Library, Atkinson Town Hall, and Atkinson Community Center!

Pictured in front of the Center School are Ellyn Murphy (AWCC) presenting the donation to Kate Rochford (AHS), with Wendy Goldfarb (AWCC), Sally Holmes (AHS), Roni Riely (AWCC), and Carolyn Nenart (AHS) looking on.

July 10, 2025

Atkinson Women's Civic Club (AWCC) Donates to the Center School Restoration Project

For the third consecutive year, the Atkinson Women's Civic Club has donated to the Center School Restoration Project! Thank you, AWCC, for continuing to help us "Preserve the Past!"

July 9, 2025

Atkinson Garden Club Donates to the Restoration of the Center School

Today the AHS was honored to receive a $1,000 donation from the Atkinson Garden Club for the Center School Restoration Project. We thank you for your generosity!

Pictured in front of the Kimball House Museum's Center School display are Jean Giesser (Executive Board, Garden Club), Sue Carter and Pat Bennett (Garden Club members), Kate Rochford (President, AHS), and Marnie Finn (Treasurer, Garden Club).

Congratulations to Timberlane Grad, Emily Aloi, recipient of
Atkinson Historical Society's
2025 Scholarship!

NEW!
Our "Atkinson, NH - Est. 1767" Drinkware

Choose from hot/cold tumblers, pint glasses, whiskey glasses & stemless wine glasses.
(Tumbers and pint glasses pictured here. Visit our Gift Shop page for all drinkware items.)

CLICK HERE FOR AHS GIFT SHOP

Atkinson Academy 2nd Graders Visit AHS

AHS always looks forward to the annual local history tour, when the Atkinson Academy 2nd graders visit our museum!

This past week, we engaged our young visitors in a talk about Atkinson history, followed by a tour of the Kimball House Museum.

A shout out to these great kids and their wonderful teachers!

Who knows, next year maybe the Center School one-room schoolhouse will be part of the tour!

May 20, 2025

More Great News!

The N.H. Preservation Alliance,
in partnership with The 1772 Foundation,
Awards $7,500
to the Center School Restoration Project

“The 1772 Grant will be put towards the exterior restoration of the south and west sides of the Center School, Atkinson's last one remaining one-room schoolhouse.” -- Kate Rochford, President, AHS

AHS Reaches $125,000 in Center School Restoration Fundraising Goal!

May 14, 2025

It's all blue skies for the Center School Restoration Fundraising! Pictured is AHS President Kate Rochford outside the schoolhouse today, raising the thermometer to $125,000! We are sincerely grateful for the private donations and grant awards received to date.

To donate to the restoration of Atkinson's last remaining one-room schoolhouse, click here:

DONATE

Kimball House Now Listed on the
New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places!

May 2025
The Atkinson Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Kimball House is now officially listed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places! This designation is a great achievement for AHS and for the Town of Atkinson in garnering state recognition for this historically significant treasure. Thank you to our Curator for all the hard work put into making this happen!

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Next Membership MeetingJuly 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Kimball House Museum 3 Academy Ave.