Welcome to the Bartlett Historical Society
...in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Welcome to the official Bartlett (NH) Historical Society website. This website was launched in September 2026.
Mission
The Mission of the Bartlett Historical Society (BHS) is:
- Collect and preserve data and items pertaining to the history of Bartlett, and Hart’s Location, plus the unincorporated town of Livermore
- Stimulate interest in the history of Bartlett, Hart’s Location and Livermore through the promotion and conducting of educational opportunities and events related to the history of these three towns and the Mount Washington Valley region.
Visit Us
The Bartlett Historical Society & Museum is now open at 13 School Street, Bartlett, as follows:
- Saturday 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Or by appointment by calling 603-374-5037. Please leave a message if we are not at the Museum. You can also email Phil Franklin.
The museum is open to the public. We do not charge for admission but donations for the operation of the museum are always welcome.
Board of Directors
Philip Franklin—President
Hannelore Chandler—Vice President
Scott Mallett—Secretary
Susan Franklin—Treasurer
Kathleen Howard—Curator
A.H. "Buzz" Query—Director
John Chanley—Director
Upcoming Events
"Pine Tree Riot"
with Dave Govatski
Date: Sunday, January 17, 2027 at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Bartlett Historical Society & Museum, 13 School Street, Bartlett, NH 03812
Before the Boston Tea Party, thought of as the start of the American Revolutionary War, a group
of men in New Hampshire committed one of the first acts of resistance toward British Rule. In 1772, the Broad Arrow Policy
made it illegal to cut down any white pine tree over 12 inches in diameter.
A group of New Hampshire sawyers was caught milling large white pine. They were arrested and released.
They then beat the sheriff and sent him out of town. This is the story of the incident that may have inspired
the Boston Tea Party.
For questions about the event, call Phil Franklin, BHS President at 603-374-5037 or 860-638-7966.
Local Historical Anniversaries and Patriotism
The Bartlett Historical Society's museum is hosting a new exhibit. Some highlights of the exhibit include:
- The history of the life of Josiah Bartlett, an American patriot for whom our town is named
- The stories of the six Revolutionary War veterans who settled here in Bartlett, five of whom were founders of the town
- A remembrance of the Willey family who were killed in a horrific storm 200 years ago on August 28, 1826
- A look at local weather events dating back to the 1700s and how they impacted our region
- A history of the town of Livermore that, 150 years ago on July 11, 1876, was incorporated as a town in New Hampshire
- A look back at our Bartlett Bicentennial celebration in 1990
- And an expanded military display honoring the service of our local veterans as well as additions to our tourism display.
