The New Hampshire Historical Society will present “Carved in Granite: A History of New Hampshire,” a six-part course about what makes New Hampshire stand out among her sister states. The course runs each Thursday evening, March 5 through April 9, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the New Hampshire Historical Society's library, 30 Park St.
R. Stuart Wallace, professor of history at the New Hampshire Technical Institute and the University of New Hampshire-Manchester, will guide participants through the perse and unique history of New Hampshire. Topics include the development of New Hampshire's political system, the causes and consequences of industrial growth and the opportunities and challenges brought about by rapid increases in the state's wealth and population in the late 20th century.
The complete course list is as follows:March 5 – “The Colonial Legacy.” Bringing New Hampshire's history up to 1792, the state's involved and at times confusing colonial history resulted in a unique blend of people and a political system markedly different than other New England states.March 12 – “The Changing Landscape.” Rural New Hampshire – its farms, its forests, and subsequently its tourism – evolved in the 19th and early 20th centuries in ways that met the economic needs of New Hampshire's people, but also in ways consistent with New Hampshire's environment.March 19 – “The Urban and Industrial Setting.” Beginning in the 1820s, New Hampshire became an increasingly industrial state, with urban centers surrounding expanding industrial sites. Towns and cities began to experience challenges common to urban centers elsewhere, but industry brought unprecedented wealth as well.March 26 – “New Hampshire's Ethnic Heritage.” Although often stereotyped as a “yankee” state, New Hampshire has experienced a constant influx of immigrants, who in turn, have given new forms of cultural nourishment to the Granite State.April 2 – “New Hampshire: Beautiful and Poor.” In the years before World War II, New Hampshire's economy went through massive change and turmoil. Farms disappeared, factories closed, railroad service deteriorated and unemployment ran high. One of the few bright spots was the arrival of tourists and non-resident property owners, but the state as a whole did not prosper.April 9 – “The New Hampshire Advantage.” After a few years of post-war recession and uncertainty, New Hampshire started growing, both in population and wealth. A combination of geographic and economic factors suddenly made New Hampshire a very desirable place to live, leaving New Hampshire state and community leaders with the challenges brought about by rapid growth.
The registration fee is $60 for New Hampshire Historical Society members and $100 for nonmembers. Become a member at the time of registration and qualify for the reduced course rate. To register, contact education services coordinator, Chris MacLeod, at 856-0604 or cmacleod@nhhistory.org.
New Hampshire Historical Society
