New & Events

Civil War Program at Leach Library

September 9, 2010

Join us at the Leach Library on Thursday, September 9, at 7 PM when we will host a program on the American Civil War given by Steven Robert Closs. Mr. Closs is a New Hampshire Civil War historian and author of the book, Granite State Sacrifice for Union 1861 – 1865. His presentation will focus on the individuals from Londonderry who fought for the preservation of Union and the abolition of slavery. Admission is free.

Wire Belt Company Donates For House Restoration

March, 2010

David Greer, President of Wire Belt Company of America in Londonderry, recently made a generous donation for the restoration of the Rev. Morrison house. Mr. Greer has long enjoyed doing business in Londonderry and is pleased to support a project that will benefit the entire community. Wire Belt manufactures industrial steel conveyor systems and employs approximately 90 people at their headquarters on Harvey Road. The Society encourages donations from both businesses and individuals, and all donations are tax deductible.

Rev. William Morrison House Restoration Update

Nov 2009

The Reverend Morrison House is under construction! Bob Pothier of First Period Colonial, LLC, is single-handedly reconstructing the 18th century house which originally sat on Gilcreast Road. In August and September, Domain Development of Londonderry set a poured concrete foundation with a full eight foot basement. Continental Contracting, also of Londonderry, donated approximately 15 yards of fill which was needed to grade the site so that water flows away from the house. In October, Bob Pothier began reassembly by placing large 8×8 inch sills atop the foundation. Between these sills he carefully placed a network of original 18th century joists along with new 21st century joists. These sills and joists will provide a solid base for the house’s frame which is stored in trailers behind the site. Work is expected to continue until January, 2010, or until winter weather prohibits further construction. It is hoped that the frame will be fully erected and temporarily enclosed by this time.

Images of America: Londonderry

In July of 2004 the Londonderry Historical Society published a pictorial history of Londonderry. The photos are from the late 19th c. to 1940. We have been fortunate to have our own collection of photographs and we have also had many photos or images loaned to us by members of the community. Copies of this book can be purchased for $19.99 from the Historical Society during Old Home Days Celebrations, at the Leach Library, local retail shops or directly from the Historical Society at info@londonderryhistory.org. Individuals or retail shops can order the book directly from Arcadia Publishing . Photo courtesy of Images of America: Londonderry by the Londonderry Historical Society, Arcadia Publishing, 2004.

Early Portraits On Display

The Londonderry Historical Society has on permanent loan at the Leach Library the oil paintings of ROBERT BOYD AND MARY TOWNE BOYD, signed on the reverse “H. Bundy, Painter, Jan. 2nd, 1851.” The Boyds were descendants of Londonderry’s earliest settlers. These portraits were donated to the Londonderry Historical Society by Joseph M. Petrauskas in memory of his wife Priscilla Boyd Petrauskas.

In 1851 Robert and Mary Boyd of Londonderry wanted to preserve their images for future generations. Since photography at that time was very crude and not available for most people, the Boyds hired an itinerant painter named Horace Bundy to paint their portraits. On January 2, 1851 Bundy completed his portraits of the Boyds. Unfortunately, Robert Boyd died only a month later at the age of 62 while his wife, Mary, died in 1887 at the ripe old age of 96. Boyd Road in south Londonderry is named after this family.

School Involvement

The Society actively works with all three elementary schools to enhance the fourth grade curriculum requirement for studying New Hampshire history. Fourth graders from South School, North School and Matthew Thornton are treated to a tour of the Morrison House Museum each year, conducted by member Penny Webster with help from Vice Presdent Bill Bringhurst.