A Tour of Concord’s (NH) Historic House Museums
An historic house museum is a home that has been transformed into an interpretive museum. Historic furnishings may be displayed in a way that reflects the usage in a home and preserves the lifestyle of the past owners. At almost 300 years old, the City of Concord has wealth of historic properties that can be visited today as museums.
Pierce Manse, Concord
The Pierce Manse is a historic house museum located in Concord, New Hampshire. It was the home of the 14th President of the United States, Franklin Pierce, who lived there from 1842-1848, not long before his Presidency.
Franklin Pierce and his wife Jane Pierce moved here after she persuaded him to resign his seat in the United States Senate and leave Washington, DC. Pierce resumed his law practice and also served as district attorney and chairman of the Democratic Party. During this time, Pierce advocated on behalf of James K. Polk's campaign for the Presidency. Polk appointed Pierce US Attorney for the state of New Hampshire as a reward in 1845.
In 1971 the building was threatened with demolition as part of an urban renewal project. Locals created the "Pierce Brigade," an organization to raise funds to purchase and save the home. Due to their efforts, the building was moved from Montgomery Street in Concord to its present location at 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane (in 1971 known as Penacook Street). It was opened to the public as a museum in 1974.The home is available for guided tours from mid-June to October. It continues to be operated by the Pierce Brigade.
Address: 14 Horseshoes Pond Lane, Concord, NH 03301
Mary Baker Eddy Historic House, Concord
Mary Baker Eddy was the founder of Christian Science. Raised in rural New Hampshire in a Christian home, she spent many years struggling with ill health, sorrow, and loss. At the mid-point of her life, a transformative healing through spiritual means alone set her on a new course leading to the creation of a religious movement.
By this time Christian Science became a worldwide movement, Mary Baker Eddy had spent three productive years in this rented house at 62 N State St in Concord. The stately 1850 house at 62 North State Street in Concord, is one of three similar houses built before the Civil War near the state capital. In 1985 it was given to Longyear Museum. The Greek Revival home has 2 period rooms & information on the founder of Christian Science, and the exterior underwent a major restoration in 2007-2008.
Address: 62 N State St, Concord, NH 03301
Daniel Webster Birthplace State Historic Site, Franklin
The Daniel Webster Birthplace is a historic house museum located in a secluded hill in Franklin, New Hampshire. The two-room log cabin is associated with the 1782 birth and early childhood years of Daniel Webster, one of our country's most respected orators and statesmen. While the site affords a view of the early years of Daniel Webster, it also provides a glimpse of the lath 18th-century farm life in the infant years of the United States.
Address: 131 North Road, Franklin, NH 03235
Franklin Pierce Homestead Historic Site, Hillsborough
Franklin Pierce Homestead is the boyhood home of America's fourteenth president and is a spacious and beautiful, federal style country home. Built by Pierce's father in 1804, it reflects the gracious and affluent living of the nineteenth century. A ballroom, which extends the entire length of the second floor, was used for entertaining neighbors and distinguished families of the state and nation. Franklin Pierce shared Daniel Webster’s dedication to national unity and led during the most trying of times, the time of slavery. The Franklin Pierce Homestead is a Blue Star Museum and is operated by the Hillsborough Historical Society.
Address: 301 2nd NH Turnpike, Hillsborough, NH 03244
Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury
Canterbury Shaker Village is a historic site and museum in Canterbury, New Hampshire, dedicated to the preservation of the Shaker heritage. It was one of a number of Shaker communities founded in the United States in the 19th century and one of the most intact and authentic surviving Shaker community sites. The Village has 25 restored original Shaker buildings, 4 reconstructed Shaker buildings, and 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails, and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement. Visitors also have a chance to learn about traditional Shaker crafts such as oval box making or broom making through live demonstrations. Canterbury Shaker Village has been declared a National Historic Landmark and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Address: 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, NH 03224
The Upham-Walker House, Concord
The Upham-Walker House is the only remaining Federal-style house in central concord. Built in 1831, this is a 2 and a half story brick building with transitional Greek Revival features. The interior of the historic house shows changing styles of the 19th century. The Upham-Walker House is now owned by the State of New Hampshire and is used for special functions. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Address:18 Park Street, Concord, NH 03301
Bridges House, Concord
The Bridges House was gifted to the State of New Hampshire in 1969 by former Governor and US Senator, Styles Bridges. The New Hampshire Governor's Mansion, known as "Bridges House," is not the official residence of the Governor of New Hampshire, but inside you will learn about some of the men and women who have led the state through the collection of personal artifacts. Over the years, Bridges House has been renovated and restored to its former beauty, combining old and new, New England architecture.
Address: 21 Mountain Road, Concord, NH 03301
