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The Laconia Historical and Museum Society is dedicated to protecting, preserving and sharing the history and culture of Laconia, New Hampshire, from its earliest inhabitants to the present.
​This year, we are excited to celebrate Laconia's Irish ancestry, highlighting early Catholic residents like John O'Shea and families such as the Dunleaveys, Murphys, McIntires and O'Neils. We'll explore the area around the original St. Joseph's Church, known as “Paddy’s Acre,” home to many Irish Catholics.
We'll spotlight the scrapbooks of Andrew Childs' a son of "Paddy's Acre," who lovingly captured the Laconia of his youth.
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From this this tight-knit community, built on faith and loyalty to friends, came people who lived lives of service to Laconia. Whether they were first responders, merchants, or politicians, they leave a legacy of values built on hard work, dedication and kindness to others.
Welcome!
Upcoming Events
History of the Taylor Community
October 8
Local historian Warren Huse presents the historic roots of the Taylor Community drawing on selected information from David Bonshurst Hart's work and key events related to its growth.
A Gravely Historical Cemetery Tour
October 26
This year's cemetery tour promises to be educational and engaging as we pay tribute to the legacy of Laconia's Irish ancestors.
Holiday Concert
December 6
A holiday performance by the New England Harp Orchestra featuring a blend of traditional Irish tunes and original music.
Lecture
Exhibit Opening
Irish Heritage Exhibit
Open House Invitation
LHMS continues its year-long celebration of Laconia's Irish Heritage with an exhibition of artifacts and photographs at Laconia Public Library.
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Join us for an open house on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:00 p.m.
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The exhibit runs through mid-December.
Visit Us
Our Museum is Open!
The Archives, the new museum at the Laconia Historical & Museum Society, is OPEN!
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Open Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 65 Water St, the Archives offers five separate small exhibits on various topics related to Laconia's story. Four of the five exhibits are rotating and will change every 4-6 weeks.
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We can't wait to see you at The Archives!
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Laconia Historical & Museum Society Receives $10,000 Grant from New Hampshire Preservation Alliance & The 1772 Foundation
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A $10,000 grant has been awarded to LHMS to support the Society’s first project of their “Legacy of Laconia Heritage Preservation Campaign,” a new initiative dedicated to making the needed repairs and upgrades to protect and preserve the society’s collections.
The N.H. Preservation Alliance, in partnership with The 1772 Foundation, awarded grants totaling $125,000 to seventeen private non-profit organizations in New Hampshire to assist in preserving their historic structures.
“This year, The 1772 Foundation’s investment in New Hampshire is protecting and revitalizing seventeen historic buildings, positively impacting communities by bringing needed capital investment to important community landmarks,” said Beverly Thomas, deputy director of the Preservation Alliance.
The initial project for LHMS, pertaining to the “Protect the Collections” phase, aims to replace the deteriorated and leaking roof of the late 19th-century foundry building located in downtown Laconia. This necessity is urgent, as the rental space contributes to operational expenses, and the society's archival collections are housed on the premises.
“Replacing the roof will significantly contribute to protecting and preserving the story of Laconia, ensuring that we, along with future generations, can continue to learn about the people, places, and events that have shaped our city. We are incredibly excited and grateful to The 1772 Foundation and the NH Preservation Alliance for the opportunity and support,” said Tara Shore, President, Laconia Historical & Museum Society.
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance strengthens communities and stimulates local economies by encouraging the protection and revival of historic buildings and places. For more information, visit nhpreservation.org.
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As an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Laconia Historical & Museum Society is greatly reliant upon the gracious contributions we receive from community supporters like you. With your help, we can and will achieve our 2025 goals!
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We are greatly appreciative of your support in protecting Laconia's story. Make history today by helping us continue our mission.
Thank You!
Many Thanks to our Generous Sponsors!
Franklin Savings Bank has been serving the Lakes Region for over 150 years, and understands the importance of honoring heritage, valuing stability, and giving back to the communities it serves. We believe in Growing Stronger Together. As a mutually-owned community bank with locations in Franklin, Boscawen, Tilton, Bristol, Gilford, Merrimack and Goffstown, we are committed to establishing positive relationships with our customers and community members. We offer an array of commercial lending, personal banking and investment services through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Independence Financial Advisors, and have a dedicated team of employees ready to help you achieve your financial goals. If you’re looking for a local community bank that’s committed to your success, then we invite you to visit any of our eight locations: https://www.fsbnh.bank/personal-banking/locations-atms/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn about our community involvement. We hope to meet you soon!
Irwin's was founded in 1951 by Robert H. Irwin as a Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Laconia. Ford was added a few years later, in 1955. Peter Irwin, second generation, added Toyota in 1979 and then Scion in 2002. Irwin's Used Car Center was built in 1994 and was located at 446 Union Ave in Laconia. Chris Irwin, 3rd generation, in 2009 completed a 12,000 sq foot expansion of their Bisson Ave location, which now totals 72,000 sq feet on more than 15 acres. Laconia Quicklane Tire and Auto Center was started in the late fall of 2010. Hyundai was acquired in 2011 and moved into the renovated used car store at 446 Union Ave in the Winter of 2012. In the Spring of 2013, NH Car Credit, a division of Irwin's, was established. Irwin's involvement in the community has been a staple in the Lakes Region for years, highlighted by: $50,000 to the Laconia High School Capital Campaign, $25,000 donation to the Laconia Public Library Construction project, $3,500 donated for MS, 100 Turkey's donated to St Vincent DePaul each Thanksgiving, $2,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club, donations to Community Health & Hospice, the Lion's Club, the Laconia Putnam Fund, and the Lakes Region General Hospital Board of Trustees. In addition, Irwin's has provided for years, at no charge, a winter indoor hitting and pitching facility for local Little League and ASA girls softball along with donating a $10,000 electronic scoreboard to Laconia Little League. Over the course of the last sixty-plus years, Irwin's has given back to the community in excess of $1,200,000! In 2023, Irwin's added the Chevrolet franchise to offer the largest selection of new/used vehicles, 2 body shops, and 5 repair facilities in Central New Hampshire. Throughout it all, there remains a constant: "to treat every guest as our best friend."
