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The independent nonprofit that saves, preserves, and shares New Hampshire history.
March 2011 |
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Society Acquires Rare Signed Chest |
This chest is one of two known signed pieces made by Levi Bartlett.
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We know we have many rare pieces of 19th-century furniture in the Society's collections. What we don't always have is irrefutable proof of the maker. One of our newest acquisitions has both rarity and proven attribution. This Federal-style chest of drawers was made by Levi Bartlett (1784-1864) sometime between 1805 and 1808. It retains one of his paper labels on the back and is one of only two known labeled furniture pieces made by the cabinetmaker. |
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Label on the back of the
Levi Bartlett chest of drawers. |
Born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, Levi Bartlett embarked on his furniture-making career in 1804, associated with cabinetmaker Hubbard C. Gale of Concord. Shortly after Gale's death in 1805, Bartlett advertised that he had taken over Gale's shop and soon opened a second shop in his home town of Salisbury. His career as a cabinetmaker was shortlived however; in 1809 Bartlett sold both businesses to Porter Blanchard. By 1814 he had become a dry goods merchant and Boston resident.
Levi Bartlett was the grandnephew of
Josiah Bartlett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Senator Robert W. Upton purchased the Levi Bartlett chest of drawers from Wing Antiques of Concord in 1966. The piece then passed down to his son, the late
Allan Upton of Concord. In 1978, the chest of drawers was loaned to the Society for the Plain & Elegant, Rich & Common exhibition. The historical and aesthetic importance of this piece strengthens the Society's extensive collection of New Hampshire-made furniture.
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History conference marks 13th year |
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Students from Mount Prospect High School in Alton examine Society's "source documents" at recent History Conference. |
On March 14, 15, and 16, the Society hosted its 13th annual Advanced Placement Conference for U.S. History, the Society's flagship program for high school students. Nearly 200 students, representing 11 schools from across the state, attended talks by Bill Kellogg, author of the first Barron's study guide for the Advanced Placement U.S. history exam; Richard Boisvert, state archaeologist at the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources; and David Starbuck, associate professor of Anthropology-Sociology at Plymouth State University. Students also examined documents and paintings in the Society's collection as part of a hands-on activity modeled on the Advanced Placement exam's challenging document-based question. Funding for this enriching program was provided by the NHHEAF Network Organizations and the Society's John L. Frisbee Education Fund. |
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Preservation Alliance conference on April 8 |
Milestones projects include the Plymouth Town Hall.
Photograph courtesy of New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance will unveil the 25 most important preservation projects of the past quarter-century at its upcoming conference on Friday, April 8. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester. These milestone projects will help to mark the Alliance's 25th anniversary.
The conference is an opportunity for historic preservation advocates and practioners to learn practical strategies and best practices. Interactive sessions will offer tips for community-wide planning that meet the demands of today's economic and political climate. How to integrate environmental, energy and preservation goals will also be highlighted. To learn more about the conference visit nhpreservation.org or call 603-224-2281.
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The Society strives to collect representative examples of important objects and archives for all time periods and subjects, but some areas are under-represented. We hope E-news readers will help us to locate items and prospective donors. We are currently seeking:
- Marine paintings by Thomas P. Moses (1808-81). A resident of Portsmouth, Moses was a musician, composer, and artist best remembered for his paintings of ships, but he also made portraits and landscape paintings.
- Civil War-era letters and newspapers.
Gifts can be given in your lifetime or promised through an estate. You can download a Promised Gift Form. For more information about our interest in these items, please contact Director of Collections and Exhibitions Wes Balla at 603-856-0605 or wballa@nhhistory.org or Library Director Peter Wallner at 603-856-0643 or pwallner@nhhistory.org.
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There are a number of images in our collection that we know very little about.
Can you help us solve this mystery?
Do you know anything about this photograph? If so, e-mail us at newsletter@nhhistory.org. Thank you for your assistance! |
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Volunteers needed in the membership office |
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Volunteers vastly expand our ability to serve the public and allow the Society to accomplish goals far beyond what would be possible with paid staff alone.
The membership office is seeking two volunteers to help with light office duties three to four hours per week. Help is needed with membership mailings, assembling new member packets, collating and photocopying. We also would be grateful for assistance with data entry, filing, front desk reception and phone coverage for lunch breaks.
Interested applicants are asked to complete an application, meet with staff, and agree to a criminal background check. For a volunteer application or more information please visit our Web site.
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Society members now eligible to join the
New Hampshire Federal Credit Union |
Society members have a new benefit: membership in New Hampshire Federal Credit Union (NHFCU). Credit union members receive:
· Better rates for mortgages and loans as well as savings.
· Better options with payroll deductions.
· Low fees.
· A knowledgeable, friendly, and courteous staff who work for you.
With branches in Concord and Durham, the New Hampshire Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with a wide range of financial services, like savings and checking accounts, auto loans, and mortgages.
Visit them at www.nhfcu.org for more information.
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All of our programs and services are made possible by dues and contributions from individuals, foundations, and businesses. Make history -- JOIN TODAY.
The Society is proud to share the names of its business partners with you. Please visit them and tell them you appreciate their contributions to New Hampshire history!
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