NEW DURHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting our new site. We are working hard to bring you the history of our town through original documents, photographs and research.
We would like to encourage anyone who may be "sorting their collections" to consider donating them to the Town's historical archives. If you have any historical questions, please feel free to contact us.
on New Durham Corner, circa 1762, site of the first town meetings. Copyright 1987 E. C. Jennings
on New Durham Ridge, c. 1769. Copyright 1987 E. C. Jennings
on Bay road, c. 1793. Copyright 1987 E. C. Jennings
Completed in 1772. Copyright 1987 E. C. Jennings
on New Durham Ridge, built c. 1800. Copyright 1987 E. C. Jennings
Built on New Durham Ridge between 1818 and 1819. Copyright 1987 E. C. Jennings
on Valley Road, built in 1787. Copyright 1987 E. C. Jennings
on New Durham Ridge, built in 1810. Courtesy of Tatiana Cicuto
on New Durham Ridge, built in 1810. Courtesy of Tatiana Cicuto
under construction 1907
in 1908
New Durham’s Annual Civil War Encampment returns for its 20th Year
One hundred and sixty-one years ago, young men with noble ideas and grand visions were some of the reasons, individuals might have enlisted to serve the Union’s efforts to support the War of the Rebellion. Have you ever wondered what recruitment tactics would compel someone to voluntarily enlist in service for the cause? The annual Civil War Encampment is a fun and learning opportunity for families and visitors to see firsthand a living history event that demonstrates the life of enrolled soldiers. Come join us for this two-day event and experience how they lived when camped, what their food storage was, and what they ate, and see the training procedures necessary for these men to be fit for service.
The New Durham Historical Society is honored to announce the return of the Charles W. Canney Camp No.5, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), for the 20th Annual New Durham Civil War Encampment scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 7th, and 8th at the lovely site, atop the Ridge. Saturday hours are 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The address is 16 Ridge Road, New Durham, NH. We are grateful to the Cullimore family for their twenty years of hosting this event in their lovely fields overlooking the White Mountains.
The public is invited to join us for a special presentation commemorating the unwavering dedication of these men from the Charles W. Canney Camp No.5, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) scheduled on Saturday beginning at 11:00 am. For twenty years they have partnered with the New Durham Historical Society, by presenting a living history of the local community's contributions to support the efforts of the war, and at the same time successfully raising funds for the Civil War Memorial Scholarship. Each year during the event all applications received are reviewed and selections are made to award funds to students from New Durham to help with some of the expenses associated with their education beyond high school. New this year will be special period music provided by “The Family Band”.
Other activities planned for the weekend demonstrations of open-fire cooking and baking will take place during the days of the event. Displays featuring information about New Durham’s role in the War of the Rebellion, through the Powder Mill and New Durham Railway Stations, and research about local boys who served, and those buried in New Durham will be available for our visitors to see and experience.
The New Durham Historical Society will be hosting its annual bake sale table, filled with yummy homemade baked goods and beverages. All proceeds benefit the scholarship.
We are thankful to the Cullimore family and to the members of Charles W. Canney Camp No. 5, SUVCW for their ongoing dedication to supporting this annual event, and the educational betterment of students from New Durham.
This is a rain-or-shine event. The event is open to the general public, and donations are greatly appreciated. There will be road signs along the main routes to the event.
For additional information about the event or to request a scholarship application, contact Catherine Orlowicz at 603-859-4643. The scholarship submission deadline is October 5, 2023. See the application for details. Scholarship applications are also available at the New Durham Town Hall, Public Library, and the New Durham General Store.
Civil War Memorial Scholarship
The 2023 deadline for consideration is October 5, 2023, and all completed applications need to be mailed to the address listed on the application (download the latest version here).
The criteria for this scholarship, applicants shall be a resident of New Durham NH, and aged 17 to 22, and graduating senior from High school, or equivalent schooling, or a holder of a GED.
A brief essay titled "How the Civil War has made a difference in the Year 2023", and a brief paragraph stating their reason for attending college and why they feel they should be the recipient of this scholarship shall be included with their completed application.
From all valid applications submitted for consideration, the Historical Society and the Charles W. Canney Civil War groups will review during the 2023 Encampment, selecting one recipient. The encampment is scheduled October 7-8, 2023.
Encouraging Interest in the History of New Durham
Join Us
Join us and become a member of the New Durham Historical Society!
Everyone is welcome to join and attend our events. Click here for more information on annual membership dues and meeting times.