Revolution, Reaction, & Reform in Cheshire County will open with a reception 

Friday, November 14, 2025 from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Historical Society of Cheshire County’s Putnam Exhibit Hall at 246 Main Street in Keene. 

 The exhibit is sponsored by the Putnam Foundation and Douglas Toys. 

More information:

 Revolution, Reaction, Reform in Cheshire County November 14, 2025 – February 21, 2026

Throughout the history of Cheshire County, examples of revolution, reaction, and reform abound. Revolutionary ideas have transformed how we live. Reaction to local and national events has spurred residents to speak out and take action. Reforms implemented to remedy injustice and inequality have improved the lives of those in our community.

The Historical Society of Cheshire County invites the public to visit its latest exhibit to contemplate how Cheshire County’s history has exemplified the ideas of revolution, reaction, and reform and what we can take from past events as lessons for our collective future.  

The Society’s exhibit is based on the 2026 National History Day theme, Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. National History Day, an organization founded in 1974, is a project-based learning program for students in grades 6-12 who conduct research, build historical arguments, and craft presentations to demonstrate their work. 

Director of Education Michelle Walker first proposed the exhibit as an opportunity to encourage more awareness of the national program in New Hampshire.  “As the former coordinator of Rhode Island’s National History Day program, I have seen the benefits of engaging students in in-depth historical learning.  My hope is that Monadnock region educators, interested in having students participate, will collaborate with the Historical Society of Cheshire County to incorporate local history resources into future student projects.”  

Revolution, Reaction, & Reform in Cheshire County provides the Historical Society with an opportunity to showcase more of its collections and local history stories.  Historical items from other local libraries, historical societies, and residents will be included as well.  Collectively, the artifacts and archival documents displayed will range in topics from the 18th to 21st century, including the history of local industries, the American Revolution, World War II, and local reform and protest movements.