In my work with the Monadnock Center for History and Culture, I have visited many of our local historical societies and I am always impressed by the work undertaken by the dedicated volunteers who give their time and talents to preserve and share our community histories. Much of our past would be lost without the years of quiet and diligent work put in by our local historical societies.
This year, the Historical Society of Temple is celebrating their 75th anniversary and they have published a history of the historical society, “Memory Keepers: The Historical Society of Temple, NH 1941-2016,” edited by Anne Lunt, a professional book editor who has lived in Temple since 1970.Within the covers of this small book is a record of enormous accomplishment.
Starting with a group of interested citizens meeting in a living room in 1941, the Temple Historical Society has saved historic buildings, overseen the excavation and documentation of an important early industrial site, published books, created school and youth programs, celebrated anniversaries, collected oral histories and data on barns and cemeteries, hosted house and barn tours, and built a fine collection of documents and artifacts. As anthropologist Margaret Mead said, never doubt what a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can do!
“Memory Keepers” records the society’s history with the expected commentary on the founding of the society and lists of officers but the bulk of the book is devoted to activities and projects including a section on the 1970s archaeological dig of the New England Glassworks built by Robert Hewes. This remarkable example of an early American industrial site is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The site remains under the historical society’s stewardship and was the inspiration for the New Hampshire Glassmakers exhibit in 2010, a collaboration between the Historical Society of Temple, the Peterborough Historical Society, and the Historical Society of Cheshire County.
Throughout the beautifully designed book, photographs and illustrations bring the society’s projects to life. A charming photo of a boy carrying his lunch bucket to Schoolhouse # 6 (saved by the historical society in 2001) graces the cover. Images of the society’s important artifacts appear throughout the text.
Often, we think of historical societies as looking backward with their focus always on the past. But the best historical organizations look not just to the past but to the future as well. “Memory Keepers” closes with a discussion of the society’s future and their need for a safe permanent home for their impressive collection of artifacts and ephemera. Given their track record, the Historical Society of Temple will make that vision a reality in the coming years.
“Memory Keepers” is available for purchase at the Temple Store The Toadstool Bookshop and the Monadnock Center for History and Culture and from the Historical Society of Temple. Join the Temple Historical Society and receive a complimentary copy. For information call 321-0609.
Michelle Stahl is Executive Director of the Monadnock Center for History and Culture.