(May 11, 2007 – Weirs, NH) The
Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society will kick off their
2007 Winnipesaukee Wednesdays series on May 30th at 7:00
p.m. with a program entitled “The Wentworth Era.” The
public is invited to this free program held at the Lake
Winnipesaukee Museum, Route 3, Weirs Beach, NH. Admission
is free.
Mr. Phil Decelle, retired history teacher and former Wolfeboro
Historical Society archivist, will discuss the influence
of Benning Wentworth and John Wentworth, the first and
last royal governors of the New Hampshire colony, on the
development of the Lakes Region, specifically due to their
political power over the Masting Trade, the colony’s
main economic resource. The program will include a slide
presentation, with light refreshments served afterward.
To complement the presentation, LWHS has collaborated
with the New Hampshire Historical Society and the Friends
of the Governor Wentworth State Historic Site. Both organizations
have donated on temporary loan graphic panels related to
the Wentworth Family and the Wentworth Estate in Wolfeboro.
The Wentworth Exhibit will be on display at the Lake Winnipesaukee
Museum now through June 5th.
John Wentworth had intended to transform the Wolfeboro
area into a political and economic hub to rival Portsmouth,
the provincial capital of New Hampshire, and his estate
has provided the town of Wolfeboro’s claim to being
the “Oldest Summer Resort in America.” Although
the mansion burned to the ground in 1820, the 96-acre site
is a state park managed by the NH Division of Parks & Recreation;
the public may explore the remains of this extensive northern
plantation. For directions, visit their website at www.nhstateparks.org.
Winnipesaukee Wednesdays is a free lecture program sponsored
by the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society. The next
presentation will be held on June 27th at 1:00 p.m., entitled “The
Islands of Lake Winnipesaukee” and presented by Mr.
John Bridges.
The Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society was established
to preserve and promote the history and heritage of Lake
Winnipesaukee and vicinity and fulfills this mission in
large part through its year-round museum.
For the LWHS calendar of events, volunteer opportunities,
or other information, please contact info@lwhs.us,
603.366.5776, or visit their web site at www.LakeWinnipesaukeeMuseum.org.
