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Jackson Historical Society

23 Black Mountain Road
Jackson, New Hampshire 03846





. . .keeping the past alive

Who We Are

Formed in April 1977, the Jackson Historical Society helps preserve the history of Jackson, New Hampshire. The Society maintains collections of historical artifacts, maps, books, and documents.

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JHS location in Old Town Hall

It also features 19th century art of the White Mountains with a permanent collection of paintings as well as an annual show and sale of White Mountain art.

Check out this blog post on the Jackson Community Calendar for an in-depth explanation of the role in the Historical Society.

Come Visit Us!

The Society is located in the former Jackson Town Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a non-profit, membership-based organization led by a dedicated group of volunteers who strive to preserve and remember the past.

Our doors are temporarily closed while we give the interior a big makeover to make your next visit even better. Stay tuned—we'll be back brighter and better soon! Check our website for updates on our grand reopening. Thanks for your patience—we can't wait to welcome you back!

Come Join Us! Come Help Us!

Become a member by clicking here.

Or become a volunteer. For decades, the legendary Warren Schomaker welcomed visitors nearly every day, keeping the spirit of Jackson alive. Now, we need YOU to carry that torch!

We’re calling for passionate volunteers to become docents and help share the magic of Jackson’s past. No history expertise needed—just bring your enthusiasm! As a docent, you’ll unlock the building and greet guests with a smile, making their visit unforgettable. Plus, schedules are super flexible to fit your life!

If you are ready to make a difference, be part of this exciting chapter, or interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with us please fill out the following form: Volunteer Form or Email the Jackson Historical Society to join our volunteer crew.

In addition, as we begin returning exhibits and furnishings to the building, we’d love your help. If you have interesting antiques, memorabilia, or artifacts with a strong Jackson connection that you would like to donate, please let us know. We are especially seeking a vintage jelly cupboard (maximum 30" wide) for our new bathroom. Let’s bring history to life together!

Key Milestones Reached — and What Comes Next

After two years of dedicated planning, fundraising, and hard work, our project to Rescue, Restore, and Renovate Jackson’s historic 1879 Town Hall is in the home stretch.

Christmas

As with so many ambitious historic restorations, costs have exceeded our original estimates. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hundreds of donors and several key grants, we have raised $1.5 million. This support has made possible several important upgrades that were not in the original plan:

  • Installation of an ADA compliant elevator and a fire suppression system.
  • Installation of insulation in the exterior walls.
  • Completion of the ADA accessible ramp with railings.
  • Replacement of faux paneling with beautifully restored plaster walls and freshly painted.

This is what is in progress:

  • Finish rebuilding the front porch and welcoming entryway in addition to completing the ADA entrance
  • Finish the bathroom behind the stage
  • Restore the original windows.
  • Upgrade the security system by adding cameras and ensure the Society will always be fully functional with a backup generator

The Jackson Historical Society is moving forward with these preparations and getting ready to fully reopen our newly relocated and revitalized 1879 Town Hall. The most recent update is that landscaping has been completed thanks to Gary Spiers and Eastern Green, Wendy McVey, and Jane Sender and Kathy Seymour. When this project is finished, we will have saved and revitalized Jackson’s iconic landmark— a respectfully restored building that will stand proudly in the heart of our village for generations to come. We can’t wait to fill it with vibrant programs on fascinating topics, new exhibits, partner with community friends, and open our doors as a cherished gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

We’ll keep moving forward as funding allows, which means we’re still fundraising with the same passion and determination. Every gift, no matter the size, has already made an extraordinary difference. But every challenge brings us closer to a transformed space that we hope will stand strong and beautiful for another 150 years. How to help funding on our ongoing renovations:

  • By Check: Send to Jackson Historical Society, PO Box 8, Jackson, NH 03846.
  • By Credit Card: Click on Capital Campaign in the navigation bar and then on the DONATE NOW button.

Be a part of history—donate today and help us continue to bring this vision to life!

Special Activities and Events

Donation of Koeppel Painting to the New Jackson Fire Station

To mark the grand opening of Jackson’s new fire station—built on the very site of the historic Gray’s Inn— the Jackson Historical Society has donated a striking painting of the inn’s final fire. Created by local artist Erik Koppell, the artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the town’s storied past. Originally opened in 1885 by C.W. Gray, Gray’s Inn was one of the White Mountains’ grandest summer resorts, welcoming up to 250 guests. The elegant hotel burned and was rebuilt twice before its final version rose in 1916–17. It thrived for decades until closing in 1968, only to be destroyed by fire once more on July 14, 1983. This thoughtful gift beautifully bridges Jackson’s fiery history with its bright new chapter.

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Hadley Champlin, Erik Koppell
and Anne Pillion

Jackson Historical Society Celebrates America’s Semiquincentennial

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The Jackson Historical Society is proudly flying red, white, and blue bunting this summer to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The festive bunting adorning the historic 1879 Town Hall symbolizes the Society’s enthusiastic participation in America’s Semiquincentennial—a nationwide commemoration of the nation’s founding in 1776. The colorful display adds a patriotic touch to Jackson’s village center and invites residents and visitors to reflect on our shared American heritage while looking forward to the next 250 years.