5aba68d3-0c97-4481-b3af-2555bbb18e6b < Back 2010 Spring WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message; Gustine L. Hurd – Photographer; At the Museum; WHS Program Schedule (Museum, Barn, and Schoolhouse Hours for 2010); Items for Sale Featuring Favorite Landmarks of Washington, NH; The Diaries of Clara May Hurd; Memories of an "Old Timer" (writings from Richard Crane); Richard "Dick" Crane (Biography); Washington Historical Society Officers; Annual Membership OPEN / PDF Previous Next

The Washington New Hampshire Historic Society holds records for four regional cemeteries: Old Center Cemetery, New Center Cemetery, East Washington Cemetery and the 7th Day Adventist Cemetery. Cemeteries Four Historic Washington Cemeteries In Washington, NH there are four important cemeteries and a few other historic burial sites that are privately owned. Fortunately, cemetery records for the four more established cemeteries have survived. These have been compiled into a database available through our Cemetery Search page. Other Archives and Cemetery Records As an additional resource, at our Museum we are fortunate to have a series of binders for each cemetery that contain lists of those interred (currently through 2005), photos of gravestones that exist, and interesting genealogical notes. Binders are available to onsite researchers. Contact us to learn more. Cemetery Overview To search records for all four locations, use Cemetery Search which allows you to search and sort content by applying different filters. Old Center Cemetery The first public cemetery in Washington was established in 1788 and is today known as the Old Center Cemetery. Prior to that, people were usually buried on their own land. While the location of some private family cemeteries is known, the identities of those who lay at rest in them is largely unknown. New Center Cemetery When the Old Center Cemetery reached capacity in the 1860’s, additional land was acquired on the opposite side of the road and the New Center Cemetery was established in 1870. With further additions of land, it is still in use today. East Washington Cemetery The exact origin date of the East Washington cemetery isn’t known, but it is believed to coincide with the establishment of the East Washington Baptist Church in 1800. This cemetery has also expanded over time, and continues to be used today. 7th Day Adventist Cemetery Washington, New Hampshire, is home to the first (in the world) 7th Day Adventist Church. A burial ground was established there for members of the faith and remains in use today.

73022d81-1837-4e90-bf65-c513c0d4c542 < Back 2022 Fall WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message by Phil Barker; Washington Historical Society Officers; Special Nat Burwash Exhibit by Bill Mulcahy; Remembering Tom Talpey & Jim Gaskell by Gwen Gaskell; Museum Report - Gwen Gaskell Returns; WHS 2023 Zoom Programs by Steve Yusko OPEN / PDF Previous Next

9525ff4c-be10-45b8-a409-7d81b69c5f69 < Back 2019 Fall WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message by Bert Bodnar; A Year of Accomplishment and Change by Gwen Gaskell; Summer on the Town Common by Gwen Gaskell with photo of raised Center School and Annual Pie Sale; Little Boy Lost - The Search for the Identity of the "Boy Shot on Mill Hill" (Clifford C. Butler) by Bill Mulcahy; Items for Sale; Membership Form OPEN / PDF Previous Next

f4d13c19-959d-413f-acae-0591bdc0322e < Back 2016 Winter WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message; Washington Historical Society Officers; The 2016 Season; The W.H.S. 34 Years Young; Items for Sale; Washington's Town Farm; Membership Form OPEN / PDF Previous Next

Town History A Brief History of Washington, NH Washington, New Hampshire is unique in that it is the first town incorporated under the name of George Washington. This occurred on December 13, 1776, while General Washington was serving as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, and over 12 years prior to his inauguration as our first President on April 30, 1789. (To read more, see the full article in our 2001 Spring Newsletter. ) The area was originally part of a larger land charter granted by the Province of Massachusetts on January 15, 1736, and called “Monadnock Number 8.” It was one of a succession of towns that ran from Merrimack to the Connecticut River meant to form a protective line of defense that also included Hopkinton Number 5, Henniker Number 6, and Hillsborough Number 7. Photo Archives Interested in seeing more archival photos of the area? Contact Us to inquire about seeing our historic Postcards, other photography, and archive materials. Click on an image to see more details . The Early Years New Concord / Camden In 1746, this land was purchased by the “Masonian Proprietors” who, on December 6, 1751 granted a portion of it to Capt. Peter Prescott of Concord, Massachusetts, who called it New Concord. Stephen Hosmer’s survey of 1753 found New Concord to be six and a half miles wide by eight miles long, and containing 33,280 acres. Still roughly the size of Washington today. The New Concord grant transferred to Colonel Reuben Kidder, Esq. of New Ipswitch in 1768, who renamed it Camden, after Royal Governor John Wentworth's friend, the Earl of Camden, Chief Justice of England. The first settlers arrived in May, 1768 and camped at the outlet of Millen's Pond. Each was granted 100 acres of land with the privilege of choosing land from any part of the township. The first census, taken in 1773, showed that Camden had 14 log houses, 7 framed houses, 6 barns, 44 "cattel," 12 sheep, and 263 acres of cleared land owned by 28 families. Total population was 132. Late 1700's – 1830 Washington Finds its Name On September 22, 1776, with the War for Independence under way, the inhabitants of Camden sent the petition to the New Hampshire General Assembly requesting the name change of their town from Camden to Washington mentioned above. This petition was granted on December 13, 1776. Washington was included in Cheshire County until July 5, 1827, and then became part of the newly incorporated Sullivan County, where it remains today. 1830's – 1930's A Thriving Community In 1830 the town population reached a peak of 1,135. Many mills were built along the streams and soon Washington was manufacturing lumber, barrel staves, shingles, chair parts, bobbins, whip sockets, hosiery, bricks and washboards. Farmers grew crops, and water-powered grist mills ground flour. By 1886 fifty-three tons of maple sugar was being produced annually, and wool and mutton had become important to the economy of the town. During the “railroad era” commencing in the second half of the 19th century, Washington became known for its mountain air, healthy water and its many hotels and tourist homes. With the discovery of rich prairielands in the western U.S., Washington’s farmers found it more difficult to compete. This caused many to abandon their rocky hill farms and join the migration westward. Washington Today Today Washington, NH is home to many people seeking a rural New Hampshire lifestyle, or vacationing on its 26 surrounding lakes and ponds. Click on an image to see more details . Washington, NH — An Inviting Place to Live Population continued to decline, and by the Great Depression of the 1930’s it reached a low below 200. Happily, people are returning and population has been climbing, reaching 1,123 with the 2010 census. Today, Washington's over 26 sparkling lakes and ponds , clear mountain air and beautiful scenery has largely made us a retirement and summer vacation community and inviting tourist area. As all those who visit or live here know, it is one of New Hampshire's best kept secrets! Read More About Washington, NH To learn more about the fascinating history of our town and its people, check out the following collection of materials available through our Gift Shop : The History of Washington New Hampshire 1768 – 1886 , Portrait of a Hill Town: A History of Washington, New Hampshire 1886 – 1976, and ..A Sacred Deposit. All three books are available at the Museum Store or online as individual books or a set of three. No product

17355b33-e15f-4591-a880-8c27d75768b8 < Back 2017 Spring WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message; Washington Historical Society Officers; Remembering Miss Margaret Hoyt; Making Calls; In Memoriam (Betty Talpey); 1963:Purchase of the Farnsworth Farm; Items for Sale; Programs for Washington Historical Society 2017; Museum News; Membership Form OPEN / PDF Previous Next

6c3a78b4-f9fb-4f48-ba07-cfca6248e18f < Back 2009 Fall WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message; Washington's First Snowmobile; The Max Israel Tract: The Success Story of Henniker's Max Israel, Letter to Max Israel from American Red Cross, The Land, Dexter Sweet Farm, Pastureland, Abandoned Farms, A Local Storm, Today, Ed in "Ed's Corner"; Twins in Washington; From the Museum; Montfort Retreat in Washington; Notice: 2010 Old Home Day Celebration; Geneology Corner; Another Centenarian – Rev. John Henry Sargent; Historical Society Barn Museum Report; James "Jim" Gaskell – All Around Helper; Items for Sale Featuring Favorite Landmarks of Washington, NH; Annual Membership Form OPEN / PDF Previous Next

The Washington Historical Society has wonderful resources documenting the history of our town and its people: a Museum, Historical Barn, and one-room Schoolhouse; an online Cemetery Search research tool, Museum Collections, Newsletter archives with stories, and regional history; and books and other items available through our Gift Shop. Find brief introductions and links on this page. Resources We are proud to have available for research many wonderful resources documenting the history of our town and its people. Use the dropdown menu or the quick links on this page to click through to each of our resource pages. Explore Museums Visit our main museum, historic barn, or one room schoolhouse during the summer. Buy a gift at the museum gift shop. Or contact us to see archived materials or vital statistics records. TO MUSEUMS Collections The Museum has a number of collections that can be viewed by the general public. Visit the Museum during summer hours, or make an appointment for a special viewing. TO COLLECTIONS Cemeteries We hold records for the following regional cemeteries: Old Center Cemetery New Center Cemetery East Washington Cemetery 7th Day Adventist Cemetery TO CEMETERIES Cemetery Search Use our easy-to-use tool to search and sort records from our regional cemeteries for information about ancestors or other historical figures. Records can also be viewed at the Museum. SEARCH / SORT Newsletters You'll find both current and past newsletters on our site! They contain lots of information, historic data, and resources. Check out the archives, or become a member and get the newsletter sent to you! NEWSLETTERS Photo Gallery Browse the photo gallery to see photos and videos of our activities, museums, the cemeteries we hold records for, our Farmer's Market booth, and other local and online events. SEE GALLERY Barton Weather Collection Washington resident Tom Barton has been collecting local weather statistics since he moved to town in 2007. Check out Tom's amazing archive of Washington weather data! WEATHER Other Site Information & Resources For additional information, visit our Museum s or Gift Shop pages, check out our Events and featured Projects , read about our Town History and surrounding Lakes & Ponds, or Contact Us.

184161cb-5e94-4782-8ae8-0768a0791fce < Back 2013 Spring WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message; Quite a Bit of Snow This Year!; A Sleighride One Day in the 1870's; Some Excerpts from Clara May Hurd’s Diary During the Blizzard of 1888; Washington’s First Snowplow; Washington Historical Society Programs for 2013; Items for Sale; Sugar Time Brings Spring; The Story of the Lovell House; (Washington, NH) Pas, Present, and Future; WHS Officers; Membership Form; An Old Penny OPEN / PDF Previous Next

Contact the Washington New Hampshire Historical Society by emailing info@wnhhs.org, or visit us seasonally at the Museum and Barn (100 Half-moon Pond Road) or the District #5 Schoolhouse (2570 East Washington Road) in Washington, NH. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 90, Washington, NH 03280-0090. Contact Although our Museums are open from July until Labor Day and we are most active in the summer months, we do monitor email year-round. Please contact us any time with research questions or appointment requests and we will do our best to accommodate you. Visit Us Our Museum, Barn and District #5 Schoolhouse are open seasonally or by appointment. MUSEUM & BARN Open July until Labor Day Saturdays, 10 – 2 pm 100 Halfmoon Pond Road Washington, NH DISTRICT #5 SCHOOLHOUSE Open July until Labor Day Saturdays, 1 – 3 pm 2570 East Washington Road Washington, NH Contact Us We are happy to answer your questions. Please contact us via email and someone will get back to you soon! EMAIL info@wnhhs.org MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 90 Washington, NH 03280-0090 Google Directions

There are three ways to support the Washington Historical Society! You can participate as a Volunteer, Donate to help with operating expenses, events, and programs, or join our Membership to participate in meetings, receive our newsletter and get email correspondence. Support There are three ways to support the Washington Historical Society! You can participate as a Volunteer , Donate to help us with operating expenses, events, and programs, or join our Membership to participate in meetings, receive our newsletter and get emails. Membership Join or Renew LEARN MORE Volunteer Give Time or Talent LEARN MORE Donate Sustain Programs LEARN MORE