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Abenaki Trails
By June 30, 2023 Read More →

Abenaki Trails

Learn about the long and enduring presence of Abenaki people in the Contoocook River Valley in the Monadnock Center for History and Culture’s new exhibition, Abenaki Trails. Curated by the Hopkinton Historical Society, Abenaki Trails is a traveling exhibition that will be on view through August 12, 2023. The exhibition examines Abenaki language, the role […]

Pastel Society of NH Member Exhibition
By May 12, 2023 Read More →

Pastel Society of NH Member Exhibition

The Monadnock Center is pleased to host the Pastel Society of NH for their 18th Annual Member Show. The exhibition in Bass Hall features more than 50 recent works by pastel artists from across New Hampshire. Join us on opening day, June 3, for a reception, awards, and a paint around the gallery. The Pastel […]

Marlborough Pudding for Thanksgiving
By November 20, 2022 Read More →

Marlborough Pudding for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was THE holiday in the 1830s and Marlborough Pudding was THE perfect end to the feast. Several people have asked for the recipe after sampling Marlborough Pudding at last Saturday’s Hearth Cooking day or having seen the recipe prepared in our Holidays in the Mill House video. Marlborough Pudding is actually a custard pie […]

Corn Fritters
By August 23, 2022 Read More →

Corn Fritters

Nothing is like fresh New Hampshire corn in August! Try this recipe for Corn Fritters, another way to enjoy this annual treat.   Corn Fritters 3 large eggs, separated 1/2 cup cream or half-and-half 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 12 ears corn) About 1 cup lard […]

Potatoes Colcannon
By August 16, 2022 Read More →

Potatoes Colcannon

Each fall, the Phoenix Mill House is open for hearth cooking days when visitors can sample foods that Mrs. Prescott prepares over the open fire. Historic cookbooks are the source for all of our recipes including this one for Potatoes Colcannon. Since cooking measurements were not standardized until the 1890s, preparing these historic dishes can […]

Sumac Tea
By August 9, 2022 Read More →

Sumac Tea

In our second installment of historic recipes celebrating NH Eats Local month, we dare you to be adventurous and use a local shrub to make a delicious tart tea. Mrs. Prescott serves Sumac Tea in the Phoenix Mill House. Her guests find it a refreshing summer drink that tastes somewhat like lemonade. Staghorn sumac (Rhus […]

August is Eat Local Month
By August 2, 2022 Read More →

August is Eat Local Month

August is NH Eats Local Month! To inspire your local eating, we have selected some tried and tested Phoenix Mill House recipes using ingredients that are fresh from the garden. This week, try a different way to eat up all those cukes with Mrs. Prescott’s recipe for Fried Cucumbers. Up until the mid-19th century most […]

Community Survey
By May 3, 2022 Read More →

Community Survey

The Monadnock Center’s Board of Directors is making a map for the center’s future. Won’t you take a minute to answer a few questions? Your thoughts and perspectives are valuable! All survey responses are completely anonymous. The Board will use the responses to guide their work in developing a new strategic plan for the Monadnock […]

Christmas at Our House Long Ago
By December 24, 2021 Read More →

Christmas at Our House Long Ago

Merry Christmas to all! I ran across this charming recollection in the archives and had to share it with all of you. Six year-old Evelyn Balcom moved to Peterborough in 1913 with her mother to lived with her uncle and aunt, William and Mary Farnsworth. They lived above the Farnsworth’s store on Main Street. Here […]

Books with Local Flavor- A Holiday Gift Guide 2021
By December 3, 2021 Read More →

Books with Local Flavor- A Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Holiday Gift Guide 2021 Let’s celebrate the region’s history and culture with gifts that have a local flavor! I love giving books for the holidays (or really, any occasion!) Here is my selection of the best local books to share with your loved ones this year. After each description, I have included a list of […]