Annual Meeting – 2021

Hillsborough Historical Society — Meeting

Our upcoming annual meeting will be held on October 14, 2021 at 7 PM at Smith Church.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, and the average age of our group, we ask that social distancing be practiced. Please bring a mask as it may be required by the church.

We will be“ voting on a slate of officers including Christina Chadwick as President. We are still looking for volunteers to fill the VP position (duties“ to include scheduling programs for the year) and a Secretary. If you know of anyone we can call on, please let us know.

Although we will not be having the traditional potluck meal, there will be light refreshments.

Thank you for your continued interest, patronage and support of the Society. We are looking ahead to a GREAT 2022!

Center for Painted Wall Preservation

Hillsborough’s historic Center is a marvelous example of the itinerant wall stenciler Moses Eaton, Sr.’s ability to sell his artistry. To have two homes with original stenciling intact after almost 250 years across the street from each other is almost unheard of in the twenty first century. Eaton’s stenciling has been well documented in the immediate surrounds of Hillsborough, New Hampshire. They are extant in Bradford at Joshua Eaton House; Hancock at the Eaton family homestead; Francestown at the Woodbury Homestead and here in Hillsborough at Rising Sun Tavern and the Wilder/Nelson House. The preservation of these iconic painted wall treasures, though few and far between, signify the Hillsborough community’s commitment to the historical significance of paint decorated plaster.

The Center for Painted Wall Preservation’s mission is the conservation and documentation of painted plaster created from 1790-1860. Our Board of Directors and Advisors are among the most pre-eminent authorities of plaster repair and conservation. We are building a data base of documented painted walls that include free hand brushwork, stenciling and murals, all of which are found in New England and in particular, New Hampshire. If you have knowledge of any early painted wall decoration email or contact us through our website.

Hillsborough 250th – Planning update

The 250th planning is in full swing, with multiple events“ going on all year long!

We will begin January with a Bonfire Kick off event filled with outdoor activities!“  We plan on having a Vintage 1920s dance in February, with a band, followed by a corned beef and cabbage dinner in March, farm activities in April, family picnic in May, a waterski BBQ show in June, a wrestling event in August, School days and tours in September, followed by“  Haunted Hillsboro in October with Kemp Park BBQ, and ending the year with celebrating November and our 14th president with December Christmas“ activities“ followed“ by a torchlight parade though the town to end the year!

There will be tours, scavenger hunts, library“ tours, podcasts“ and an event for just about every person to get excited about!

We are so thrilled for this and have spent“ over a year getting ready!“  We are selling t-shirts, programs and sweatshirts!