George Washington Portrayed by Dean Malissa

by | Nov 11, 2018 | The Stories

A life-long resident of Philadelphia, Malissa has been a performer since childhood.  After graduating with a degree in Communications, he entered the world of business – working his way from a junior salesman to the senior vice presidency of an international manufacturing firm. During those 25 years he traveled to all 50 states in America, every province in Canada, Mexico, much of Europe (including former Soviet Bloc countries), much of the Middle East and extensively in Asia. He happily and voluntarily left corporate America in 1999 and in “Act II” of his adult life – pursued acting as a profession. He has performed and continues to be cast in film, TV, commercial, radio, stage and voiceover productions although his historical portrayal of George Washington represents 95% of his work today. This portrayal of Washington has proven to be one of the richest experiences in his life. It is often daunting, continually challenging, always interesting and humbling work. In December of 2000 he met William “Bill” Sommerfield. Bill was a respected George Washington scholar and portrayer. Until his retirement from performing in January 2007 Bill was the foremost historical interpreter of Washington. Bill had interpreted Washington throughout the world and was the first actor in American history to be approved to portray Washington at Mount Vernon– George Washington’s Estate and Gardens. The historical interpretive acting world lost its patriarch with Bill’s passing in September 2009. Bill and his wife Pamela operated The American Historical Theatre – a wonderful non-profit organization “dedicated to the edifying and entertaining art of Historical Interpretation.” Back at the beginning of this century they were seeking...

Meet Laura Ingalls Wilder

by | Jun 26, 2015 | The Stories

Do you love Laura? Did you grow up devouring her “Little House” series of books, or dressing up like characters on the television show? Do you ever wonder about the real people and events behind the stories, or what Laura thought about the world around her? Now you can ask Laura yourself!

Jane Kelly, Birds of Prey

by | Jun 8, 2015 | The Stories

I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin. The majority of my time growing up was spent outdoors. My father had a big influence on my enthusiasm for nature taking me fishing, hiking and hunting. His appreciation for birds rubbed off on me.

Kevin Fife, Stonewall Expert

by | Jun 8, 2015 | The Stories

Born and raised in Canterbury NH, Kevin is a nationally recognized master stone mason and lives in Northfield with his wife and two daughters. Kevin began building stonewalls in 1981, blending his talent as an artist with the business of landscape construction.

Thomas Jefferson

by | Jun 8, 2015 | The Stories

When he was near the completion of his life Jefferson insisted that he most wanted posterity to remember him for three things: The Declaration of Independence, The Statute of Virginia For Religious Freedom, and The University of Virginia.

DON WATSON Special Friday Evening Show

by | Jun 7, 2015 | The Stories

Don Watson is a singer/songwriter from Gilford, NH, who’s music has been compared to John Denver, Jim Croce and Dan Fogelberg. His songs are upbeat, inspiring and easy on the ears. Don’s newest project “Welcome Home New Hampshire” is a collection of songs based on people, places and events of the granite state. Don partnered with Steve Redic, a poet and historian from Candia, NH in the writing of these songs. Don recently performed for Governor Maggie Hassan and the Governor’s Council. He was also featured on WMUR TV’s “New Hampshire Chronicle”. In addition, Don has performed at several larger NH venues including Meadowbrook, Franklin Opera House, Hopkinton Fair, and many historical societies, libraries, farmers markets and festivals. See Don Watson’s “Welcome Home New Hampshire, Songs and Stories of New Hampshire” at the President Franklin Pierce Homestead Friday, August 14th, 7 PM...

Names on our town – where did they come from?

by | Feb 10, 2013 | The Stories

by Cynthia Van Hazinga Some of us have lived here so long we no longer wonder; some of us are new here and have no notion of why parts of town have the names they do. In many cases, there’s a person . . . and a story . . . behind the name. Hillsborough, the Town: Sure, it’s hilly, but our town was incorporated and named for the Englishman Col. John Hill of Boston, who was said to have paid Massachusetts Governor Wentworth about $50 when the territory was known as “No. 7.” In the early 1740s, the first brave homesteaders arrived, wielding axes. The settlement was, except for Charlestown, the most northerly outpost in New Hampshire, the borderline of civilization, as it was called. 2nd NH Turnpike: This state highway between Amherst and Claremont was opened to travel in 1801; for many years it was the main artery of business between Boston and Canada and was serviced by Kimball’s Tavern in the Lower Village and Wilson’s in the Upper Village, the regulation two miles apart. Bible Hill: So called for the only large bible in town, owned by Deacon Joseph Symonds who settled in the 1770s on what was then called West Hill. Symonds was the most prominent and richest man in Hillsborough when it was incorporated. Bible Hill was also the location of the first tavern in town, operated by “Capt. Sam” Bradford, and it was there that the first town meeting was held, in November, 1772. Beard Brook, Beard Road: Elijah was the first Beard to settle in town, in about 1785. He bought a...