Homestead of Benjamim & Abigail Richards,
who were among the first settlers (circa 1727) of Haverhill's North Parish - the future Town of Atkinson.
Oil painting by Louise Noyes Barnum, 1966.
Embedded Files
In celebration of America’s 250th, Atkinson Historical Society’s 2026 ventures
have focused on making it a memorable year for the community!
The following are the Society's events and projects undertaken this year to highlight Atkinson's rich Revolutionary War Era history.
ONGOING EXHIBITION:
“The Revolutionary War Era: Life in Atkinson”
The inaugural event was held on Washington’s Birthday, featuring the debut of “The Revolutionary War Era: Life in Atkinson,” a curated exhibition at the Kimball House Museum, home of AHS. The exhibition, enlivened by the artwork of Atkinson Academy students, is ongoing with regularly scheduled open houses and a special summer open house schedule in tandem with Kimball Library outdoor concert Thursdays.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA ARTWORK BY ATKINSON ACADEMY STUDENTS
A “must see” part of AHS’s Revolutionary War Era exhibition are the creative renderings of this historic time period drawn by Atkinson Academy students! AHS thanks Atkinson Academy, the student artist/historians, and art teacher Pam Dolan Alexander for this meaningful collaboration.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH PRESENTATION – MARCH 2026:
"Picking up the Threads:
Atkinson Women During the Revolutionary War Era”
In celebration of Women’s History Month, AHS presented “Picking up the Threads: Atkinson Women During the Revolutionary War Era” at Kimball Library. AHS Curator Lucia Cusimano and Director Sally Holmes presented biographical sketches of eleven women from different walks in life who lived in Atkinson during the Revolutionary War Era.
SPREADING THE WORD IN THE COMMUNITY
AHS 250th displays in Kimball Library Lobby for Women's History Month (left) and in Town Hall Library, Ongoing (right)
ORIGINAL DESIGN AND MARKETING OF 250TH T-SHIRTS
In the spirit of Atkinson’s rich Revolutionary War Era history, AHS designed and is selling a navy-blue T-shirt that heralds “Atkinson, NH, 1767” on the front and the America 250th logo on the back. The shirts, for both adults and kids, have been a hit around town. Sales are ongoing.
MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORATION OF ATKINSON’S REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS AND PATRIOTS
READING OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR NAMES AT TOWN CEREMONY
AHS is conducting ongoing research of Atkinson’s 134 men who served in the Revolutionary War or contributed in a non-combatant capacity. We provided the Atkinson Veterans Club with the names of these men, which were read at our town’s Memorial Day ceremony on May 25.
AHS OPEN HOUSE FOLLOWING TOWN CEREMONY
Following the Town Ceremony, AHS held an Open House, featuring its exhibitions, "The Revolutionary War Era: Life in Atkinson," and the Military Room, the Society's most hallowed room in the Kimball House Museum, paying homage to the men and women of Atkinson who selflessly served their country with honor.
MONDAY, JUNE 15 - PLACEMENT OF BETSY ROSS (13-STAR FLAGS) IN OLD ATKINSON CEMETERY
In a collaborative project with the Veterans Club and the Atkinson Cemetery Coordinator, AHS spearheaded the placement of Betsy Ross flags on the cemetery’s Revolutionary War patriots’ graves. The placement occurred in conjunction with the Veterans' Club annual flag retirement ceremony on June 15.
On a walk through this beautiful cemetery, you will see these 13-starred flags honoring those men laying at rest in the cemetery who served in the Revolutionary War as a soldier, in the militia, or as a non-combatant patriotic supporter.
PLACEMENT OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA HOUSE SIGNS THROUGHOUT ATKINSON
Memorial Day also kicked off AHS’s quest to designate Atkinson’s Revolutionary War Era homes with signage designed by the Society. As you drive through town, you will see these red and white lawn signs proclaiming, “Historic Site – Revolutionary War Era House,” with a QR code linked to a 1700s house history page on our website. Additionally, historic sites, like the town’s militia training field and the Town Pound, have been similarly marked. The signs have been placed with the property owners’ approval.
SUMMER EDITION OF CHILDREN’S NEWSPAPER,
“OUR HOMETOWN, ATKINSON, N.H.”
In June, to engage our community’s youth in this notable year, AHS published its 2026 summer edition of Our Hometown, Atkinson, NH, (a newspaper for kids and the young at heart), dedicating the content to Atkinson’s involvement in the Revolutionary War. The issue is available at local locations, including Kimball Library. It is also available online. Children who complete a suggested activity in the newspaper may visit AHS with an adult to receive a small prize. Our Hometown is the creation of talented AHS member, Johanna St. Pierre.
FOURTH OF JULY
AHS opened its doors on the 4th of July, sharing its Revolutionary War Era exhibition and Military Room with the community on this historic day.
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UPCOMING! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
POLLY THE TROLLEY TOUR OF ATKINSON
In tandem with showcasing Atkinson’s 1700s house history, on October 3rd AHS will be conducting the “Polly the Trolley Tour of Atkinson., highlighting the town’s Revolutionary War Era history by following the historic homes trail. Details on event registration and ticket sales forthcoming.
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