New Hampshire is mostly known for its vast wilderness and charming European-inspired towns. The state is bordered by Quebec, Canada, in the north and Atlantic Ocean in the east. Meanwhile, to the south is the state of Massachusetts, and to the west is the state of Vermont. Owing to its location, it is historically the leading center for manufacturing textiles, shoes, and paper. Today, much of its rich history is preserved in museums that are now major tourist attractions.
Museums in New Hampshire, USA present a diverse range of collections and interests. There are galleries dedicated to children, while several others are devoted to the preservation of artifacts and display of arts. Museum trips can get pretty taxing. Save your time and check out the list of top 10 best museums in New Hampshire, USA for more organized cultural and cultural excursions.
1. Children's Museum of New Hampshire
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is the ultimate venue to spend your baby’s day-out. It features exhibits that include dino-revolutions, cave explorations, space tours, and a preview of the well-known Cocheco River. You can even hold your twins’ birthday party at the museum, as long as the facility’s schedule permits. Check out their annual calendar to see what’s on for the year. There may be workshops (e.g., parent-child workshops), summer camps, and classes (e.g., science classes in the fall) that you might want to get your kids involved.
Children's Museum of New Hampshire
Address: 6 Washington St, Dover, NH 03820, United States
Website: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: 11 USD
2. American Independence Museum
Located in Exeter, the American Independence Museum is a one-acre (4046 sq. meter) history museum that consists of two main buildings, namely the Folsom Tavern and the Ladd-Gilman House. Both are significant in the attainment of the country’s independence. The tavern is a witness to several political debates, while the house assumed critical positions during the American revolutionary period. A guided tour in this museum educates the young and old of the events leading up to American independence in the 18th-century.
American Independence Museum
Address: 1 Governors Ln, Exeter, NH 03833, United States
Website: American Independence Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (May to November, closed on Thanksgiving Weekend)
Price: 19 USD
3. Woodman Museum
Visitors with varied interests prefer going to museums with diverse collections. The Woodman Museum, for instance, has mixed displays of artifacts, especially those that reflect Dover’s history. Garrisons and houses that survived the Cocheco Massacre can all be found in the museum. You can even find former President Lincoln’s saddle before he was assassinated, alongside science and art exhibits that fit all ages.
Woodman Museum
Address: 182 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820, United States
Website: Woodman Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (April to December)
Price: 13 USD
4. Currier Museum of Art
Art enthusiasts will delight at the sight of the extensive collection of curated pieces found at the Currier Museum of Art. Established in 1929, the museum has been a favorite destination of visitors wanting to see European and American paintings, sculptures, decors, and photos. Check out their calendar regularly and find the time to catch their spectacular live musicals and other classical performances.
Currier Museum of Art
Address: 150 Ash Street Manchester, New Hampshire
Website: Currier Museum of Art
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 5pm (closed on Tue); Sun: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm
Price: 15 USD
5. Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum
Posted by Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum on Wednesday, 24 July 2019
The museum was built as a cultural center to educate the public and, at the same time, preserve the rich Native American heritage. A visit to the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum not only teaches the mind, but it also encourages the soul to strive for a life of quality and take care of the environment. The American Indian natives, after all, were known for their deep connection with Mother Nature. So don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience with your family and friends.
Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum
Address: 18 Highlawn Rd, Warner, NH 03278, United States
Website: Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: 9 USD
6. Strawbery Banke Museum
Strawbery Banke is a neighborhood in the historic town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is also the earliest European settlement in the state. The houses were built between the 17th and 19th century, which was later restored and collectively displayed as an outdoor museum. Visitors ultimately adore the varied architectural styles that meet their eyes at Strawbery Banke, which has about 37 restored buildings. During the winter season, tourists flock around the Puddle Dock Pond to enjoy skating in a historic site.
Strawbery Banke Museum
Address: 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Website: Strawbery Banke Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily from May to October)
Price: 10 USD
7. New Hampshire Telephone Museum
Are you curious about how your present-day smartphone evolved through time? You can find some answers in the New Hampshire Telephone Museum that features over 1,000 collections of switchboards and all sorts of phones, ranging from the classic wired taps to the flip phones of the 1990s. You’d be amazed at how an everyday gadget changed faces over time. Apart from educational purposes, a visit to this nonprofit museum enables you to contribute back to the community and further awareness about telephones – the wonderful piece of technology that helped shape the world.
New Hampshire Telephone Museum
Address: 1 Depot St, Warner, New Hampshire
Website: New Hampshire Telephone Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm
Price: 7 USD
8. Wright Museum of World War II
The second World War is an event to be reckoned with. The Wright Museum of World War II has dedicated space solely to immortalize the painful memories of the war. It houses war memorabilia, like photos, ammunitions, posters, and furniture pieces. It also holds special exhibits from time to time to further enrich the visitors’ experience. Stay updated to witness their special displays this year. You might want to free up a few hours in your schedule to see the award-winning special exhibit “Vietnam: The Real War Photographs from the Associated Press” this July to September.
Wright Museum of World War II
Address: PO Box 1212, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Website: Wright Museum of World War II
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sunday: 12nn - 4pm (May to October)
Price: 12 USD
9. Enfield Shaker Museum
Enfield Shaker Museum was previously the Great Stone Dwelling of the Shakers, a Christian religious sect. The group has lived on Enfield for over 100 years and left a dramatic impact on the community members. The museum now exists to preserve the vibrant culture of the religious group. It features restored buildings and gardens in addition to artifacts and exhibits that some visitors find intriguing. You can even stay overnight at this museum if you so desire.
Enfield Shaker Museum
Address: NH Route 4A, Enfield, New Hampshire
Website: Enfield Shaker Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily from May to Dec 22)
Price: 12 USD
10. Hood Museum of Art
Existing for nearly two centuries and a half, the Hood Museum of Art is one of the main attractions in Hanover. The picturesque exteriors of the museum and the extensive art displays inside — both permanent collections and visiting exhibits — never get tiring that one can visit the Hood over and over again. Exhibitions include art pieces of American, European, Australian, Melanesian, and African — all for free public viewing. This lovely museum is under the ownership and management of Dartmouth College.
Hood Museum of Art
Address: 6 E Wheelock St, Hanover, New Hampshire
Website: Hood Museum of Art
Opening hours: Wed: 11am - 5pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free
Satisfy your curiosity with museums in New Hampshire
The State of New Hampshire, USA, is an idyllic place not only for community living but also for museum hopping. Districts like Portsmouth and Enfield are historic sites of early European settlements and Christian-formation marked by the presence of the Shakers community. It is only rightful to preserve these significant places and artifacts in splendid museums. There are over 150 museums in New Hampshire, including nonprofit, government, and private galleries. At the very least, try visiting these 10 best museums enlisted here.
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