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A pdf newsletter from the Washington Historical Society in Washington, NH Newsletter PDFs To stay informed of WHS activities and receive notifications of events and announcements, become a Member . The newsletter will be sent for free! To see newsletters grouped by year, go to Newsletter Simple Listing. 2026 Summer WHS Newsletter President's Message by Bill Mulcahy; Washington Historical Society Officers; Calendar of In-Person Meetings for 2026 by Steve Yusko... READ MORE 2025 Winter WHS Newsletter President's Message; Washington Historical Society Officers; Updated Edition of Sylvanus Thayer Biography by Bill Mulcahy... READ MORE 2025 Spring WHS Newsletter President's Message; Washington Historical Society Officers; Schoolhouse Sites Search 2 by Ellen Hofford... READ MORE 2024 Fall WHS Newsletter President's Message; Washington Historical Society Officers; Schoolhouse Sites Search by Ellen Hofford... READ MORE 2024 Spring WHS Newsletter President's Message; Washington Historical Society Officers; Louisa Phillis: Early Black Resident of Washington, NH by Bill Mulcahy... READ MORE 2023 Fall WHS Newsletter President's Message; Washington Historical Society Officers; Notes from Gwen Gaskell... READ MORE 2023 Spring WHS Newsletter President's Message; Washington Historical Society Officers; Museum Archivists Report... READ MORE 2022 Fall WHS Newsletter President's Message - Phil Barker; Washington Historical Society Officers; Special Nat Burwash Exhibit; ... READ MORE Load More

e87e2cb0-a67c-4dcd-ae27-697f86fe24ee < Back 2015 Spring WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message; Washington Historical Society Survey; Surprise! – A Gift to the Washington Historical Society (Jeanette Hurd’s Diary and more); The Wild Orchids of Washington, NH; Washington Historical Society Programs for 2015; Items for Sale; The Wallace W. Dole Mausoleum; This Summer at the Museum; Washington Historical Society Officers; Membership Form OPEN / PDF Previous Next

aaecb24e-1e52-46e8-aeef-29b39e761644 < Back 2003 Winter WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message; Tavern Drinks; Bee Lining; Washington Word Search OPEN / PDF Previous Next

945ef332-1bcf-4b8e-884e-02fe09c9cc9f < Back 2024 Spring WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message by Steve Yusko; Washington Historical Society Officers; Louisa Phillis: Early Black Resident of Washington, NH and Member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church by Bill Mulcahy; News from the East Washington Schoolhouse Museum by Marian Baker; Munimap Application with the ability to overlay historical maps of Washington over present day tax maps by Mark Florence; Calendar of Upcoming Events 2023; Summer Saturdays at the Museum and the Barn; Summer Saturdays at the East Washington Schoolhouse; Membership form; Donation form. OPEN / PDF Previous Next

22289079-7884-4f27-8fd6-c2c52b31fc2a < Back 2025 Winter WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message; Washington Historical Society Officers; Updated Edition of Sylvanus Thayer Biography by Bill Mulcahy; Museum Report by Gwen Gaskell; Sylvanus Thayer's Washington, NH Family by Bill Mulcahy; Schedule of 2025-2026 Zoom Meetings: November to April by Steve Yusko OPEN / PDF Previous Next

The WNHHS has three levels of annual membership: $10 Individual, $15 Family, and $25 Sustaining. Member benefits include free access to all events, meetings and museums; our semi-annual newsletter; and emails with news and information. Join us! Membership Your active membership helps support our programs and other operational expenses. THANK YOU! Join Us! Please click the button below to become a NEW Member or to RENEW an existing membership. Annual memberships run from June to May the following year. Memberships are $15 per Individual, $20 per Family, and $25 per Friend, $50 per Historian, and $500 per Life Time membership. Benefits include free access to all events, meetings, and museums; our semi-annual newsletter; and direct emails with news and information.

bae0e384-76eb-4fcf-9379-2ec07b18c472 < Back 1998 Fall WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message; 1998 Accomplishments 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

73ece32d-afeb-4e23-9d68-26ec61a58ff5 < Back 2001 Spring WHS Newsletter Topics in this issue: President's Message; Early Days of Sugarin'; Be Sure to Visit the Museum the Summer; In the Archives; Washington Lakes & Ponds Crossword Puzzle; Which One (Washington) is First? 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. Saves $8! A Collection of History! Three Books $40.00 Price View Details

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

The Washington New Hampshire Historical Society sponsors a number of events each year. Events occur on location or through Zoom and focus on the history of Washington and New Hampshire, as well as the arts and humanities relevant to northeastern communities, early US history, and regional culture. A few of our events are offered in cooperation with the NH Humanities "Humanities-to-Go" program. Events Events are offered as either in-person only, in-person and Zoom, or Zoom only presentations. Some events are made possible through partnership with the New Hampshire Humanities "Humanities-to-Go" program. See each event for specifics. Event Listing Click on "More Info" for details and presenter bios. Mon, Jul 13 WNHHS July In Person Meeting — Mary Adams — "Red Coats & Rebels: New Hampshire and the American Revolution" / Camp Morgan Lodge More Info Jul 13, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Camp Morgan Lodge, 339 Millen Pond Road, Washington, NH 03280, USA Join us for a Pot Luck Supper, Member Meeting, and then the New Hampshire Historical Society's own Mary Adams will explain the many ways that New Hampshire is often overlooked in the narrative of the American Revolution. An RSVP is not required, but allows us to send you an event reminder. Share Mon, Aug 10 WNHHS August Annual Meeting — Jeffrey Zygmont — "Walking in the Woods with Robert Frost: Seeing Nature Through..." / Camp Morgan Lodge More Info Aug 10, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Camp Morgan Lodge, 339 Millen Pond Road, Washington, NH 03280, USA Join us for a Pot Luck Supper, Annual Business Meeting, and Election of Officers, and then Jeffrey Zygmont will present "Walking in the Woods with Robert Frost: Seeing Nature Through the Words of America's Most Loved Poet." An RSVP is not required, but allows us to send you an event reminder. Share Mon, Sep 14 WNHHS September In Person Meeting — Alan R. Hoffman — "Lafayette and the Farewell Tour: The Granite State Salutes..." / Camp Morgan Lodge More Info Sep 14, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Camp Morgan Lodge, 339 Millen Pond Road, Washington, NH 03280, USA Join us for a Pot Luck Supper, Member Meeting, and author Alan R. Hoffman's presentation "Lafayette and the Farewell Tour: The Granite State Salutes the Nation’s Guest." An RSVP is not required, but allows us to send you an event reminder. Share Mon, Oct 12 WNHHS October In Person Meeting — Erin Moulton — The Mammoth Road: NH Folk Tales as an Avenue to Local History & Culture / Camp Morgan Lodge More Info Oct 12, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Camp Morgan Lodge, 339 Millen Pond Road, Washington, NH 03280, USA Join us for a Pot Luck Supper, Member Meeting, and then Writer Erin Moulton will explain how understanding more about the people and locations from which folk tales spring helps us access history in new and interesting ways. An RSVP is not required, but allows us to send you an event reminder. Share