If you have a traditional work schedule, you’re a little busy during the daytime hours.
So it might not be that easy for you to find time to take a tour of the State House. You know, that downtown building with the shiny dome where important state decisions are made?
The State House is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for either self-guided tours or for groups of 10 or more, a guided tour courtesy of the State House visitor’s center and the Granite State Ambassadors.
But that doesn’t do you much good if you’re busy making a living.
Luckily, the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce has your back. Recently, a pilot program was approved that will open the State House on Saturdays for the first time in nearly two decades.
So starting this Saturday, complimentary guided tours will be given to those looking to brush up on all the New Hampshire history you’ve been missing out on.
This week’s tours get under way following a ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of the original cornerstone dedication at 10 a.m. Tours will leave roughly every 20 minutes until 3 p.m.
“The New Hampshire State House is a cultural gem,” said Chamber President Tim Sink in a recent press release. “This is a wonderful opportunity to help boost tourism in the state and draw visitors who might not realize all that Concord has to offer, such as its unique local shops and restaurants.”
The goal of the pilot program is to see what kind of demand there is for Saturday tours.
As part of the agreement, the chamber is covering security costs, which totaled $4,500 for the next three Saturdays.
The State House visitor’s center staff will conduct the tours with the help of volunteers from Granite State Ambassadors.
Guided tours will be available on Saturday, Oct. 1 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, contact the chamber at 224-2508, info@concordnh chamber.com or visit bit.ly/NHStateHouse weekendtours.
Insider staff
