A few history buffs got together in 1973 to publish a book about “Saving the Great Stone Face.” The “Franconia Area Heritage Council” registered as a non-profit organization and published the book in which a local school teacher, FRANCES ANN JOHNSON HANCOCK, detailed the great efforts and high risks taken over many years to delay the final collapse of “The Old Man.” The book was a success, and other projects were undertaken. The granite profile fell May 3, 2003, exactly 58 years to the day after New Hampshire adopted the profile as a symbol, on May 3, 1945.

Local historians placed markers on other sites, such as the homestead of Luke Brooks, who is now recognized as “discoverer” of the Old Man of the Mountain, along with his co-surveyor, Francis Whitcomb. The Council, with awards, encouraged school children to write essays on local history. Acquisition of the Franconia furnace, the town’s most significant historic site, became the principal goal. It is the only blast furnace still standing in New Hampshire and the only known eight-sided one in the country. Iron smelting was the principal cause of the town’s growth, before tourists discovered the merits of our mountain village.

Failing in attempts to bring the town’s unique furnace under public protection, the Council, in 1993, created a Center where the public can witness the power and impact of the industry that spurred the town’s initial growth.

In 1997 the Council accepted responsibility for managing the Brooks collection of 1,500 artifacts for the town in an 1880 Victorian house purchased with Sarah’s Trust Fund (Sarah Nelson Welch, the last owner/compiler of the artifacts). Since the opening of the museum in 1998, the collection has grown to nearly 10,000 items. Contributions of 170 members and efforts by volunteers keep the budget in balance.

A giant family tree showing local Brooks family members descended from Captain Thomas Brooks, is on permanent display. It was prepared and copyrighted by CHRISTOPHER HAPGOOD BROOKS.

Plan a visit to the Franconia Heritage Museum this season.  Volunteers have been busy this past winter and spring enhancing the display rooms and developing interactive exhibits.  Our 1880's farm house is looking more and more like a home with early 1900's parlor and dining room furniture, while the Jewell Friedman Exhibit Room is being arranged to allow demonstrations and the opportunity to try various activities that our grandparents would have enjoyed.

The Museum is open Memorial Day Weekend to Halloween on Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm and special events.

New Members Always Welcome --- Why not become a member of the museum?  For only a ten dollar annual fee, you will receive our newsletters, announcements of special events and activities, and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to support the Franconia Heritage Museum in its mission to preserve and promote the history and artifacts of our community's unique legacy.  Send your check made our to FAHC to FAHC, PO Box 169, Franconia, NH  03580

     Visiting Lady in the Parlor

Franconia Heritage Museum
553 Main Street, PO Box 169 Franconia, NH 03580
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