Tour the North Country & learn about our rich history!
A land first inhabited by the Abenaki tribe, and further shaped by farming, logging, railroads and grand hotels. Today this area continues to draw people to enjoy its natural landscape, outdoor recreation opportunities & close-knit communities.
Explore the history of each community below. Throughout these histories, you’ll find links to notable people, historic landmarks, and places of interest for those who want to learn more about the North Country’s rich heritage.
Do you love local history?
Be sure to visit the Northern NH and VT History facebook page.
Pittsburg, NH
PITTSBURG HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Beyond the familiar events of history lie forgotten stories, including the Indian Stream Republic. Explore its history at our Museum (1526 Main St.), the Luther Parker silhouette at the town park, and along the Indian Stream Circuit in Pittsburg and Canada, where interpretive panels mark key historic sites.
Learn more at historicalsocietypittsburgnh.com.
INDIAN STREAM SCHOOLHOUSE
This historic one room schoolhouse at the end of Tabor Road in Pittsburg holds special events and viewings. See Indian Stream Historic One Room Schoolhouse on Facebook for more info.
Stewartstown, NH
THE POORE FARM- HISTORIC HOMESTEAD & MUSEUM
A historic homestead / settlement documenting one family’s life from the 1830s to the 1980s. The house, barn and outbuildings are in authentic condition and reflect their original use and era. It’s a step back in time. Visit PooreFarm.org and follow Poore Family Homestead Historic Farm Museum on Facebook for more details. Located at 629 Hollow Road/ NH Rte. 145, Stewartstown, NH 03576.
Canaan, VT
CANAAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Museum of Canaan artifacts located upstairs at the Alice M. Ward Memorial Library, at 27 Park Street, a building dating back to 1846. Open Mon.-Thurs. 2-4 PM. Follow on Facebook. Contact info: 802- 266-7135 or canvthistsoc@gmail.com.
THE PIONEER TRAIL
In front of the library, at Fletcher Park, you will find a metal silhouette of Bea Holmes. This is part of the Pioneer Trail, with another historic figure (Luther Parker) displayed in Pittsburg at the park in the center of town (1615 Main Street). Additional displays located north of the border in Coaticook, Quebec.
Visit culturecoaticook.com/en/the-circuits/the-pioneer-trail/
Colebrook, NH
COLEBROOK AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Museum located at Colebrook Town Hall, 17 Bridge Street, Colebrook, NH 03576 on top floor, (elevator accessible). Curated display of Colebrook area artifacts. Annex Museum at The Tillotson Center, 14 Carriage Lane, Colebrook. Call 603-237-5738 to book a tour of spaces. Visit them on Facebook.
Read more from the Town of Colebrook’s Master Plan, Oct. 2013
THE TILLOTSON CENTER
In the early 1900s this building housed the coaches and horses which transported the guests between the Colebrook train station and the Dix House, later known as the Balsams Hotel. In the 1930s, the Colebrook Grange purchased the building and converted it to a meeting hall and community center, closing in 1965. The building was purchased in 2006 by Louise Tillotson and the dream of a focal point for community heritage, visual & performing arts in New Hampshire’s North Country became a reality. Visit www.tillotsoncenter.org.
Columbia, NH
GREAT NORTH WOODS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Located at 1993 US Route 3, Columbia, NH. The site has served as the Parsons Family Farm, The Hampshire Inn, a seminary, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace. Now operating as a center for the arts with music performances, plays, art workshops, a sculpture walk and more. Visit www.gnwca.org for more info.
COLUMBIA TOWN HALL Built in 1899, this historic building holds lots of character. Columbia historical items on display during town meeting and other events as the building is open. Call 802-274-7634 for a tour. Located at 1919 US Route 3.
COLUMBIA COVERED BRIDGE This historic bridge, built in 1912, crosses the Connecticut River into Lemington, VT. Take a drive on Rt. 3 south of Colebrook to Columbia Bridge Road. On your way you’ll see the iconic red barn of the Pioneer Farm, est. in the 1780s.
Dixville Notch, NH
THE BALSAMS
Drive by one of the most well-known places in all of the North Country on Route 26, just before going through Dixville Notch. Starting as the Dix House in 1866, the resort closed in 2011 and is currently under redevelopment.
Learn more at thebalsamsresort.com/a-walk-through-history/
Photos “on loan” to the North Country Chamber of Commerce from The Balsams Development Team.
Errol, NH
ERROL HERITAGE COMMISSION
The Commission is working to restore and stabilize Errol’s Historic “Tramp House”, a rare surviving 19th century municipal lock-up recognized by the NH Preservation Alliance as one of the “Seven to Save” heritage sites. Once restored, the “Tramp House” will be a viewing place for historic artifacts. For more information, please visit: www.errolnh.org/heritage-commission
Stratford, NH & the Connecticut River Valley
COHOS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Stop into the Depot Museum at the former Grand Trunk Railway Station, now housing the Stratford Public Library at 74 Main Street in Stratford, NH, to see local railroad memorabilia & a working model train. Open Mon., Thurs., Fri. 9 AM- 4 PM.
The Marion Blodgett Museum in Stratford Hollow is under restoration, with a hopeful opening in the near future. Follow Cohos Historical Society and Stratford Public Library on Facebook for updates.
LEMINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Stop by the 1860s Blodgett Schoolhouse at 2549 Route 102, Lemington, VT. The Lemington Town Hall next door has historic displays to view, open Tuesdays 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Phone: 802-277-4814