Nelson Celebrated its Sestercentennial (250 years) in 2017
Here are some of the activities that were included as part of the celebration.
The population of the town at this time was roughly 750 people.
The Sestercentenial Begins!
Starting in May
This exhibit at the Historical Society of Cheshire County honors one of Nelson’s great artists, who was also an accomplished fiddler.
Our friend and neighbor Alan Rumrill, executive director of the Historical Society of Cheshire County, shares his knowledge and insights on the history of our town.
July 6 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Nelson Town Hall
Official Sestercentennial Day!
Activities going on all day long.
The Celebration Continues
September ~ October
What the Town Hall is Famous For
Several years ago, photographs were discovered that had been taken at a Nelson NH contra dance in June of 1941. The Monadnock Folklore Society presents a contra dance featuring Adam Boyce, a caller from Vermont who has researched the dances and calling style of that era. Dancing begins at 8:00 PM, with a short workshop beforehand. Beginners and singles are welcome and all dances are taught throughout the evening. Admission is $8 or $6 for students and seniors. Dancers are encouraged but not required to dress in 1941-style attire. For more information call: 603.762.0235.
New Hampshire’s Master Folksinger
Creative Commemorations
New Hampshire artist RP Hale made 100 copies of the first edition of this print which were signed and sold during the Sestercentenial.
Celebration Medallions
These medallions (now sold out) depicting the Old Brick Schoolhouse in Nelson Village (now our town offices) were produced to commemorate our 250th town anniversary. They were made in four colors (blue, green, amber and amethyst) from recycled glass using centuries old techniques – giving each piece an odd character not found in machine work. They were made by Chris Salmon of Old Hancock Glassworks. Chris uses an old technique of carving a graphite die for pressing a relief image into molten glass at his workshop in Antrim. He learned the technique while blowing glass for a factory in Germany in 1973. Over the years, he has adapted new machinery to help him render the relief carving with more detail. Chris’ experience in the now-rare art of working in relief helped to bring Karen Tolman’s two-dimensional drawing into three-dimensional glass.