Exemplary Country Estates of New Hampshire

Wednesday, May 15, starting at 6:30, the Bedford Historical Society and the Bedford Public Library will be hosting a program about exemplary estates of New Hampshire. The program will be presented by art historian Cristina Ashjian as part of the New Hampshire Humanities.

In the early 1900’s, the New Hampshire Board of Agriculture launched a program to boost the rural economy and promote tourism through the sale of abandoned farms to summer residents. Many farmers had simply left their homesteads to move out West with the hopes of more prosperity and better lives.

After introducing the country house movement, Cristina Ashjian will focus attention on some of the great country estates featured in the New Hampshire program between 1902 and 1913. She will also include sites that are now open to the public, such as The Fells in Newbury and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish. Which private estates were recognized as exemplary, and who were their owners? Join us to find out!

As always, the program is free and open to the public so bring your friends! Light refreshments will be served. Bedford Historical Society

The Bedford Historical Society Board