Join us for a discussion of the life and work of the late Plainfield, NH-based artist Brenda Phillips, whose “Nature Abstract” series, is on view in the RVCC gallery through May 29, 2026. The event will include a virtual “walkthrough” of the exhibit as well as introduce participants to Phillip’s work and discuss it in context. Phillips was a visionary artist, and this exhibit is an opportunity to experience and discuss her inventive, joyful work. Register at www.rivervalley.edu/artsinapril
This event is made possible in part by a Civic Life and Belonging Grant from New Hampshire Humanities.
This session will explore how studying the arts can build valuable professional skills such as creative problem solving, communication, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking. Panelists will discuss their career journeys, the role their education played in shaping their paths, and the diverse opportunities available in creative industries today. Attendees will gain insight into the many ways artistic skills can be applied in professional settings, learn about potential career paths in the arts, and have the opportunity to ask questions about education, portfolio development, networking, and entering creative fields.
Panelists include: Alisa Andrusiak, Group Manager-Creative Operations; Cara Chanoine, Poet, RVCC Department English Program Director; Jay Chanoine, Comedian; Heidi Lorenz, Artist and Arts Educator; Nick Paradis, Muralist, Arts Educator; Amy Regan, Owner & Curator, See Saw Art; Co-founder, Rochester MFA Register at www.rivervalley.edu/artsinapril
This event is made possible in part by a Civic Life and Belonging Grant from New Hampshire Humanities.
On July 25, 2026 we will be hosting a 125th celebration of DPL. A gathering around our towns peace pole will start our ceremony with words from local leader discussing the role of librarians and libraries as a source of illumination. An original musical composition commissioned for DPL's 125th will be performed by Zak Redler. A poetry reading by poet Robert Forbes, then local children will share what the library means to them. There will be a library themed scavenger hunt throughout town. We will then be inviting guests inside for a tour and talk of the library and it's history, as well as a history archive recording booth set up for locals to share stories. We will be making a booklist of the 125 most checked out books for DPL and there will be golden tickets hidden in books to find for prizes. Our staff will unveil a plaque in honor of the Library Directors. Special 125th merchandise that includes limited edition library cards, pins, tshirts, bookmarks and stickers will be available.
This event is supported in part by a Civic Life and Belonging Grant from New Hampshire Humanities.
Carol Steiker, the Henry J. Friendly Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, will join us for a conversation on theories of punishment and their relationship to courts, legal institutions, and reform efforts.
This program is in collaboration with UNH Law students and the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and is supported by a Civic Life and Belonging Grant form New Hampshire Humanities.
Food will be served following the event.
Enter through the Franklin Pierce Intellectual Property Center doors closest to Rumford Street.
Join us in Kemp Park, downtown Hillsborough.
Features include:
- "Paddling thru Time: The Long History of Canoes in NH"-Robert Goodby
- "History of the Contoocook River"- by Marian Baker
- "Hurricane of 1938 in Hillsboro- Ken Matthews
- Walking Tour of Railroad that ran right through our town!
- Contoocook River- 3D map model and scavenger hunt
- Antique Trucks- Mack Truck Display and Kemp Museum
- Abenaki culture and history-Drumming and singing and storytelling
- Canoes, Baskets, Pottery, Use of plants, Buffalo,
- Pierce BBQ Oven and Hillsboro Heritage Museum display
- 250th NH Tapestry - Celebrating US Independence
- Woolen mills- Stories from locals who worked at the mill
Learn more at historyalivenh.org.
This program is made possible in part by a Civic Life and Belonging grant from New Hampshire Humanities, with support from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Telling My Story will host a 3-day workshop, aimed at having participants reclaim their voice, explore privilege, and build community through the use of creative and expressive arts. For this workshop, TMS is engaging with participants who have experienced (or are currently experiencing) housing insecurity or homelessness, as well as community members interested in working on this matter. If you feel moved to listen to stories of life experiences; if you aspire to meet new community members and to engage deeper on this issue, then we'd love to see you at the (free) Telling My Story performance on June 27 at 6:30pm. To learn more, email tellingmystorymedia@gmail.com.
This event is supported in part by a Civic Life and Belonging Grant from New Hampshire Humanities.
Join staff at the library as we discuss “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb. Refreshments have been generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library. You can pick up a copy of the book from the library. This event will take place in the Sunnycrest Conference Room located inside Town Hall.
Please RSVP here: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | Music Across Culture Book Discussion | Leach Library
This event is supported in part by a Civic Life and Belonging Grant from New Hampshire Humanities.
Come to the Londonderry Town Common to hear the Akwaaba Traditional African Drum and Dance Ensemble perform! The group includes past members of the National Dance Ensemble, Brekete Ensemble and the Shidaa cultural troupe. The Akwaaba Ensemble’s energetic and engaging performances reflect their name, which means ‘welcome’ in the Twi language of the Ashanti tribe of Ghana. At each performance the Ensemble brings Highlife music, West African drumming and dance to vivid life. The goal of the group is to produce extraordinary music and great performances that enlighten the audience about African culture and music. The performance will be 45 minutes followed by a 15 minute discussion and Q&A portion. This program has been made possible through the Civic Life and Belonging Grant from the New Hampshire Humanities as well as the generous sponsorship of the Friends of the Library and the Friends of Music.
Featuring music from the present through the past 250 years (singing along greatly encouraged!), this lively concert/workshop explores how songs reflected the times and also influenced society. How did music change according to society’s conditions? What songs shaped America? We’ll finish with the spiritual nature of music with Indigenous chants and prayers. Everyone will have the opportunity to hold and play Indigenous musical instruments and even dance! Audience members will create a song based on the vibe of the room! Performances by renowned singer/songwriter Craig Werth and the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People. Craft and ice cream social following. All ages welcome. Family friendly.
This event is supported in part by a Civic Life and Belonging Grant from New Hampshire Humanities.
Join the us for a Free Admission Day to the Woodman Museum in support of our extensive Natural History collections. Various organizations including NH Fish & Game and The City of Dover’s Open Lands Commission will be on our grounds to talk about sustainability and conservation. The Blue Ocean Society will have their 65-ft inflatable whale on the grounds in the morning for whale conservation education. The afternoon will have an hour long animal presentation from Wildlife Encounters.
This event is supported in part by a Civic Life and Belonging Grant from New Hampshire Humanities.
Memoir is a branch of narrative nonfiction focused on personal experiences. Many people find memoir writing cathartic, validating, and enjoyable, even if they would not normally consider themselves writers. The six-word memoir is a (relatively) recent adaptation of the genre that echoes the ways in which brevity and conciseness have become embedded in our day-to-day communication. However, the six-word memoir challenges us to consider that brevity does not preclude depth of meaning. This sub-genre of memoir writing asks authors to consider a single experience, or their life as a whole, and distill it down into six deliberately chosen words. All materials are provided for this “make-and-take” workshop where participants can drop-in and create a piece of writing on their own schedule. Participants may display their work, take it home, or create one to display and one to take away.
Join textile artist Sienna Larson for an intro to the American sampler tradition. Once used to teach young girls stitching skills, patience, and household responsibilities, samplers also became personal records of family, memory, creativity, and accomplishment. This workshop will begin with a brief history of samplers in early America and an opportunity to view close-up original examples from the collection of the Hopkinton Historical Society. Participants will then learn several basic sampler stitches, how to design and lay out their own motif on fabric, and techniques for starting and finishing an embroidery project neatly and confidently. Students will leave with a strong start on their own sampler-inspired piece and the skills to continue stitching at home. No prior embroidery experience is needed and all materials are provided. This workshop is free but registration is required at www.hopkintonhistory.org. Limited to 10 participants.
This event is supported in part by a Civic Life and Belonging grant from New Hampshire Humanities.
This program is a storytelling presentation and workshop that highlights how stories connect us. Presented by Author Veronica Francis, in conjunction with librarian and narrative therapist Erin George, this program will demonstrate connections and commonalities neighbors might not realize they have, despite living nearby for years.
Veronica is a New Hampshire storyteller, keynote speaker, and technology coach who helps people navigate change with clarity, confidence, and a sense of humor. Known for her warm presence and relatable storytelling, Veronica blends real-life experience with practical insight - reminding audiences that adaptability matters more than perfection, especially when the plan falls apart.
This program is free and open to the public, will include refreshments, and will begin promptly at 6 pm. You do not have to be a Troy resident or Gay-Kimball Library patron to participate.
This event is made possible in part by a Civic Life and Belonging Grant from New Hampshire Humanities.
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