Local History: Hidden History of the New Hampshire Seacoast

The New Hampshire Seacoast has a wealth of overlooked history. Some remnants are hidden in plain sight and others are just plain hidden. Meet the minister and early religious founder who was involved in an armed confrontation in Dover with another preacher in 1640. Find out how a one-time high school assistant principal in Rochester became a world-famous business leader and ended up meeting President Grover Cleveland. Discover the story of “ghost” racetracks in Somersworth before they disappear, as well as the “pile of rocks” that stopped a multimillion-dollar building project in Windham. Author Terry Nelson reveals some of New England’s most fascinating history, from Durham and Madbury to North Hampton and Portsmouth.

Registration is required. This event is free and open to all. Attend online, or in person in the library’s Levenson Room.

About the Presenter
Terry Nelson is a retired Manchester Schools assistant principal. While his entire career has been in the education field, he has always harbored a love for history. Before marrying his wife, Barbara, Terry spent several summers working as a volunteer on archaeological digs in northern England. Later on, Terry and Barbara would take their two sons on family vacations visiting important sites in American history – from Vicksburg to Gettysburg and Fort Mackinaw to the Harry Truman Little White House on Key West. As a result, their sons are now taking their own children to visit historic places.

After moving from Michigan to Dover, Terry worked for two years as a special education consultant for the NH Department of Education. This position afforded him the opportunity to visit and serve sixteen southern New Hampshire school districts. Along the way, he ran across many out of the way, little know, historic sites. In his book, Hidden History of the New Hampshire Seacoast, Terry explores and illuminates these little-known places and the stories behind them.