Tavern Talks and Guided Tours
Offered May – October
Tavern Talks: Loyal Subjects Part II
Ticket required: Historical Society of Cheshire County Events – Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Join HSCC interpreter Becky Barton as she presents the American Revolutionary War through the experiences of Loyalist men in Keene.
Loyal Subjects, Part II: Eleazer Sanger, Benjamin Hall, Elijah Williams, and Josiah Willard
Discover these four, new steadfast subjects of England who lived and worked in Keene but did not sign the 1776 Association Test. Eleazer Sanger, brother of journalist Abner Sanger, Lieutenant Benjamin Hall, lawyer Elijah Williams and Major Josiah Willard. Why did they support King George and what risks did they take for that support? Come pull up a chair in the Wyman Tavern taproom and find some answers!
HSCC Interpreter and volunteer Becky Barton has lived in Cheshire County since 2005 when she earned her M.A. in Public History at SUNY Albany. She joined HSCC in 2013 and has been researching early Keene history and Isaac Wyman specifically. Her book on Wyman and his family will be published later this summer.
This program is generously sponsored by Fenton Family Dealerships.
Tour Details
- Limited to 12 people per tour
- Meeting point: Wyman Tavern, 339 Main Street, Keene NH
- Parking is free and located near the Bruder House in the spaces marked for Museum Parking
- Please bring your ticket (printed or on smartphone) to show the guide
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Group Tours
For private or group tour inquiries, please contact: Attn: Michelle Walker, Director Of Education Email: mwalker@hsccnh.org
Patriot Colonel Isaac Wyman- The War Years 1775 to 1783
Ticket required: Historical Society of Cheshire County Events – 4 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Isaac Wyman fought in the French and Indian Wars as a British soldier, stationed at wooden Fort Massachusetts in present day North Adams, Massachusetts. He and his family moved to Keene in 1762, where he was a member of the Keene militia.
In April of 1775, he was asked to lead other local volunteers to support the patriots of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. In saying yes, he committed himself to 6 months of service which include the Battle of Bunker Hill. Asked again in 1776 to lead a regiment of militia men, he answered in the affirmative. Brought up on charges at Mount Independence in 1776 he faced a court martial and served another 6 months in service before he retired from the military and came home to Keene.
Isaac remained active in town affairs as the war eventually was won by the Patriots. Would you have said “Yes” and how did his service affect his family and his life? Come find a seat in his 1762 Tavern and learn more about this elder patriot.
HSCC Interpreter and volunteer Becky Barton has lived in Cheshire County since 2005 when she earned her M.A. in Public History at SUNY Albany. She joined HSCC in 2013 and has been researching early Keene history and Isaac Wyman specifically. Her book on Wyman and his family will be published later this summer.
This program is generously sponsored by Fenton Family Dealerships.
Tour Details
- Limited to 12 people per tour
- Meeting point: Wyman Tavern, 339 Main Street, Keene NH
- Parking is free and located near the Bruder House in the spaces marked for Museum Parking
- Please bring your ticket (printed or on smartphone) to show the guide
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Group Tours
For private or group tour inquiries, please contact: Attn: Michelle Walker, Director Of Education Email: mwalker@hsccnh.org
Magical History Tours
In June 2019, over 200 Walldogs artists descended on the city of Keene to paint 16 historically-themed murals across its cityscape in a matter of 3 days. Let our guides share the story of that event and the stories behind the murals.
Badass Women of Keene Tour
Delve into the history of the women’s suffrage movement from a local perspective. This history-on-the-streets experience highlights empowered women from the community and shares one city’s involvement with a national movement.
Railroad History Tour
How did the coming of the railroad impact New England communities like Keene, NH? Walk the Cheshire Railtrail through downtown Keene with Historical Society of Cheshire County executive director Alan Rumrill. Learn about the arrival of Keene’s first train in 1848. Visit the sites where many industrial firms found success along the tracks in the downtown area.
Walking tour tickets:
Historical Society of Cheshire County Events | Eventbrite
Self-Guided Walking Tours
A Walk through Keene’s History
Let Franklin School’s 3rd graders guide you through downtown Keene with this audio tour!
Barry Faulkner Tours
Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown Keene to see some hand-painted murals and drawings by artist Barry Faulkner. (subject to open hours of businesses included on the tour)
Group Tour Information Click Here
Let our expert guides take you on a ‘history-on-the-streets” experience. Plan a guided walking tour for 6-15 people by contacting the Historical Society’s director of education Michelle Walker, mwalker@hsccnh.org 603.352.1895.