Copyright keenesentinel
The Historical Society of Cheshire County in Keene invites the public to visit its upcoming exhibit to contemplate how Cheshire County’s history has exemplified the ideas of revolution, reaction and reform. The 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,” Walker said. “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” will showcase the Historical Society of Cheshire County’s collections and local history stories along with historical items from other local libraries, historical societies, and residents. 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. Revolution, Reaction, & Reform in Cheshire County will open with a reception on Friday, Nov. 14, from 4:30-6 p.m., at the Historical Society of Cheshire County’s Putnam Exhibit Hall at 246 Main St. in Keene. It will be free and open to the public during regular business hours through Feb. 21. Several upcoming programs will be held in conjunction with the exhibit. A preview screening and discussion of the upcoming Ken Burns PBS documentary, “The American Revolution,” will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 1-2 p.m. in the Putnam Exhibit Hall. On Wednesday, Nov. 19, a free teacher workshop, titled “How to Teach Disability History- Curriculum, Strategies, and Resources” with Dr. Graham Warder of Keene State College, will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Putnam Exhibit Hall. On Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m., the Historical Society and the Colonial Theatre will co-present “An Evening with Ken Burns,” featuring a discussion and question-and-answer session with the audience exploring the enduring relevance of the American Revolution. This is a ticketed event that will be held at the Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene. On Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. in the Putnam Exhibit Hall, Warder of Keene State College will present his lecture, “Wrong Turn: The American Eugenics Movement.” On Wednesday, Feb. 18, a screening of a documentary film on the Kingsbury Corporation will be held at 6 p.m. in the Putnam Exhibit Hall. For more information about the exhibit and to register for upcoming programs, go to www.hsccnh.org or call the Historical Society of Cheshire County at 603-352-1895.
