Date: June 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Virtual (link will be sent upon registration)
Virtual Genealogy Workshop: Uncovering Your Story
admin
Member Highlight: Jill Chastenay
New Hampshire is more interesting than you think, and you can learn more on Instagram.
“Somewhere on a desert highway
She rides a Harley-Davidson
Her long blonde hair flyin’ in the wind
She’s been runnin’ half of her life
The Chrome and steel she rides
Collidin’ with the very air she breathes
The air she breathes”
– “Unknown Legend”, Neil Young
Released in 1992, the song “Unknown Legend” could not have come at a more pivotal time in my life. That was the year I would enter the world as an adult. I got my first tattoo, graduated from Stevens High School the next day, and began a lifetime of working in education. I had always wanted to have my blonde hair flyin’ in the wind on my own motorcycle; My love of history began in eighth grade at Talbert Middle School in Ms. Reed’s U.S. History class and has never abated over the years. Since 1992, I have learned to ride a motorcycle and have done so all over New Hampshire and Vermont.
I have loved traveling even longer than I’ve loved history. Almost every summer of my childhood, my Bammie and Grampa would pack us in the station wagon and bring my sister and me somewhere, usually the White Mountains. I loved it so much that I eventually made a sign for the tailgate of the station wagon that said “Walley World,” after the fictional theme park destination in National Lampoon’s Vacation. My sis and I would sit in the reverse back seat, waving to the passers by who “got it.” I’ve always liked making people laugh.
Fast forward to April break, 2025: I have taught at six schools (excluding my two stints in daycare centers) and to hundreds of students. While on break in April, I was vacationing in the White Mountains again and I happened upon the White Birch Book Store in Conway. In this great little bookstore, I found a copy of Cruising New Hampshire History by Michael A. Bruno.
Since my childhood, I have always looked for places to go, things to see, and quests! In my mid-30s, I started keeping track of all the major roads I traveled on via my motorcycle in New Hampshire and Vermont. I finished New Hampshire a few years ago. Don’t worry, Vermont, I’ll finish someday! Then my sister Jen and nephew Dylan came for a visit from California in 2021, and we stayed at the Eagle Mountain Resort. I wondered, how many grand hotels are left in New Hampshire? It’s four, by the way… Challenge accepted! Yes, I have now stayed at all the remaining grand hotels in New Hampshire (and figured out ways not to pay the usual high rates). So, when I started reading Bruno’s book on discovering New Hampshire state markers, I thought why not?
As I started finding markers, I thought about how many of my students think we live in a small, boring state; they are wrong. I also lamented that many have not and will not travel much in their lives. This was proven when I took a class up the Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington; probably less than 1/2 a dozen had been to Mount Washington, and many had not been to the White Mountains. Over the summer, I started thinking about creating an Instagram page to show kids of all ages how cool our state is and how important it is to travel as a way to discover local history and culture. Being a long-in-the-tooth teacher was getting in my way, and I put my Instagram idea on the back burner.
In December 2025, I started a new job at Dartmouth College. My energy slowly returned, and the Instagram idea kept nagging at my brain. Finally, on New Year’s Eve, I made my first official post to @NHUnkownLegend. On it, you will find my escapades hunting State Markers, past trips, and I anticipate sharing some tips to show my students, err… followers, that you don’t need a lot of money or fancy gear to travel.
Already, I have posted state markers from the White Mountains to Londonderry. My first reel of the beautiful dogs at Muddy Paws Dog Sledding in Jefferson is the first of what I hope will be many. Next, I need to overcome my fear of being in FRONT of the camera. You can find photos of my 2006 trip to Japan, my 2024 trip to California for Christmas, and my most recent trip to the White Mountains.
In the future, I foresee the possibility of including some good places to eat because we all need food. Someday soon, I’ll even post the state markers for Claremont! So please follow me on Instagram, where the photos are plentiful, and encourage your friends to do the same!
Thank you Jill for sharing your writing with us! If you would like to share a member highlight, contact us with your musings, pitches, and drafts. We love supporting local historians and sustainers of local cultural folkways.
The Claremont Historical Society Board of Trustees
New Resource: Pleasant Street Cemetery, 1846-2024
In July of 2025, Lois Buchan completed her extensive research volume on Pleasant Street Cemetery and donated both a physical and digital copy of the book to the Claremont History Museum. Lois is a second-generation Claremonter, as well as a member of both the Claremont American Band and the Claremont NH Historical Society. Growing up in Claremont across the street from the Cemetery was part of what spurred her research interest.
Her publication is the culmination of years of digging through records and archives to organize the cemetery into an easily searchable format; It is the first volume to comprehensively cover the Pleasant Street Cemetery all the way back to its first burials in 1846. In her research, Lois partnered with the Claremont Department of Public Works to obtain the records of the first two sextons of the cemetery, father and son duo Alfred and George H. Burrill.
The book includes an explanation of Mrs. Buchan’s research methods, a map of the cemetery, a plot chart, and biographical data about the men, women, and children interred at the Pleasant Street Cemetery. The digital document, which is available on the CHS website, is searchable and ideal for local history and genealogical research.
The Claremont Historical Society expresses heartfelt gratitude toward Lois for her contribution to local history research. We are always accepting new pieces of research to public online or to use in our museum – become a member or contact us today to learn more.
The Claremont Historical Society Board of Trustees
Shared Roots: Preserving What Connects Us
For over 40 years, the Claremont Historical Society has been the guardian of our community’s rich history. We collect, preserve, and share the artifacts and stories that make Claremont special. From family heirlooms to ferry paddles, photographs, documents to everyday objects that our 2,000+ item collection tells the story of how Claremonters lived, worked, and created the community we enjoy today.
Why We Need Your Help
Like many historical collections, our treasured artifacts face constant threats. Weather, insects, and time itself gradually damage irreplaceable pieces of Claremont’s past. That’s why we’ve launched an ambitious preservation project to ensure these important pieces of our shared heritage survive for your children and grandchildren to discover.
Our Preservation Project
We’re working on several key initiatives to protect our collection:
Cataloging & Assessment – Creating a complete inventory of every item, documenting its condition and historical significance
Proper Storage Solutions – Building climate-controlled storage with professional-grade shelving and acid-free containers
Environmental Controls – Installing systems to manage temperature, humidity, and pest control throughout our facility
Education & Training – Developing resources so our volunteers and community members can help care for these precious artifacts
Join Us for “Shared Roots: Preserving What Connects Us”
Thursday, September 18th 2025 | Claremont Senior Center | 6-8pm | 21+ event
We invite you to an exclusive behind-the-scenes evening where you’ll see our preservation work firsthand. Enjoy refreshments, meet fellow history enthusiasts, and discover stories you’ve never heard about your hometown.
View one of Albert Bierstadt’s painted Butterflies and personal paint set, which has not been on display in Claremont in over 50 years! Approximately two dozen of these paintings are still in existence, and Claremont is lucky to have TWO of them!
Purchase your ticket to the Claremont Senior Center on the 18th of September to see various artifacts. We will share the challenges in maintaining collections and the needs to support the storage, care and handling methods needed to maintain our collections on local history and culture. Your attendance and support directly contribute to preserving the memories, traditions, and stories that connect all of us to Claremont’s remarkable past—and ensure they remain vibrant for future generations.
1 ticket: $25
2 Tickets: $40
6 tickets: $125
Can’t make it to the event? We welcome donations of any size to support our preservation efforts. Every contribution helps us safeguard another piece of Claremont’s legacy.
The Claremont Historical Society Board of Trustees
In the Valley News
The Claremont NH Historical Society’s event with the American Friends of Lafayette has been covered by the Valley News. Click here to check out the story!
Join the CHS Board
The Claremont NH Historical Society currently has two available spots on our board of Trustees. We currently have a working board with a diversity of experience and an eagerness to promote local history. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply soon!
Board Member Responsibilities and Qualities
The Board of Trustees plays an essential role in the success of the Claremont Historical Society. Their responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the strategic direction and policies of the organization.
- Ensuring the preservation and accessibility of historical artifacts and records.
- Participating in fundraising, community engagement, and event planning efforts.
- Promoting the mission and vision of CHS within the community.
- Ensuring the organization’s financial stability and compliance with bylaws.
Qualities of an Effective Board Member
- Passion for History: A genuine interest in preserving and sharing Claremont’s heritage.
- Commitment: Willingness to dedicate time and energy to the Society’s goals and activities.
- Team Player: Ability to collaborate effectively with other board members and volunteers.
- Leadership Skills: Capacity to lead projects, committees, or initiatives.
- Community Focus: A strong connection to Claremont and a desire to strengthen community ties through historical education.
Partner Organization Program: A Soldier’s Mother Tells Her Story
Date: Saturday, May 17th
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Unity Town Hall (892 2nd NH Turnpike, Unity, NH)
Lifetime CHS member Sharon will be speaking as Betsy Phelps, the mother of a Civil War Soldier. This program, presented by the Unity Historical Society, is made possible through the New Hampshire Humanities Humanities To Go program.
Thank you to Linda Ross of the Unity Historical Society for passing this along to us!
Claremont NH Historical Society’s April Newsletter
The Claremont NH Historical Society has published its most recent newsletter. We’re excited to share the work we’re doing with you, and hope you enjoy reading.
Claremont Historical Society’s 1st Global Youth Service Day
Join Claremont Historical Society in preparing our museum for our 2025 opening!
Global Youth Service Day is an annual worldwide youth participation event that asks all youth ages 5-25 to work together for the common good while also recognizing the impact youth make on their communities every day of the year.
Our GYSD event will take place from 1-2:30 at our museum on 26 Mulberry Street, Claremont NH.
- Snacks and water will be provided.
- Stevens students must bring their own community service forms in order to get their hours documented for graduation.
- Youth under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
A Visit With Abraham Lincoln
Join other history enthusiasts in “A Visit with Abraham Lincoln,” a living history presentation by Steve Wood. The event takes place Friday, April 4, 1:30 to 2:30 pm, at the Earl M. Bourdon Center at 67 Maple Avenue, Claremont, NH.
This event is hosted by the Claremont Congress of Senior Citizens, with a Humanities to Go grant from NH Humanities. Thank you to Larry Converse for coordinating!
Everyone is welcome – the visit is free and open to the public of all ages. It’s sure to be a wonderful time. Thank you to Sharon Wood for sending along the details of the event.
NOTE: Parking to the right of the building, from Maple Avenue, take an immediate right turn onto the driveway towards the back of the building. Enter by side door.
This event is not affiliated with the Claremont Historical Society.