The Pierce Manse over on Horseshoe Pond Lane is filled with all kinds of great historical information about the life of Franklin Pierce.
Pierce, the only president from New Hampshire, lived in the house from 1842-48, when it stood on Montgomery Street, before it was moved to its current location in 1971. The historical landmark was actually slated for demolition as part of an urban renewal initiative, but thankfully a group of volunteers known as the Pierce Brigade secured a land grant and raised the money necessary to move the house and restore the manse to its original condition. And because of that effort, visitors can learn all about Pierce in the house he resided in – from mid-June to Labor Day.
So you might be wondering why we’re telling you all about this place that isn’t even open for the season for more than two months? Well, that’s because from March to October, the manse stays open late on the fourth Thursday of the month – and in this case is open at all – for the Brigade Lecture Series.
And since this Thursday is the fourth one in March, it seems to us that the lecture series is about to embark on another year of interesting discussions this week.
Kicking off the 2018 series Thursday at 7 p.m. is Ann Beattie with “The Artistry of the Isles of Shoals – Celia Thaxter’s Salon.” Beattie is an independent Shoals historian and she dives into the fact that something about the mystery of islands and the endless sea vista seems to ignite creativity, and the Shoals have inspired writers, musicians and artists for centuries. Her program will explore the lives and works of the famous visitors who frequented poet Celia Thaxter’s island salon and discover how they collaborated to produce some of their finest pieces.
The next topic in the series is on April 26, when historian and photographer George Morrison will give a talk entitled “Robert Rogers of the Rangers.”
In partnership with Canterbury Plantation, the manse will host its first plant sale May 5-6, from 4 to 7 p.m. (Saturday), and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Sunday). There will be annuals, herbs and vegetable transplants, and a selection of many heirloom varieties will be available for purchase.
Now we know we’re getting a little far into the future, and don’t worry we’ll remind you of these talks when they actually come up on the schedule, but we wanted to give you a synopsis of the rest of the season. Here’s a list:
May 24: “Exemplary Country Estates of New Hampshire,” Christina Ashjian, art historian.
June 22: “The White Family of Concord,” Sarah Galligan, library director at N.H. Historical Society
July 28: Open house and ice cream social (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) Concert on the lawn with music by The 39th U.S. Army Band — N.H. Army National Guard.
Aug. 23: “History of the Audi” (aka. Concord City Auditorium), Carol Bagan, Friends of the Audi.
Sept. 27: “The History of Seeds,” Kevin Bragg, owner Canterbury Plantation.
Oct. 25: “History of Bands in America,” Tom Fisk, music educator.
All lectures are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited.
And while not part of the Brigade Lecture Series, it’s still worth mentioning. On Nov. 22 at 10 a.m., there will be an official remembrance of Franklin Pierce’s birthday with a wreath laying ceremony in Old North Cemetery with a reception at the manse to follow.
For more, visit piercemanse.org/events.html.
Insider staff
