Hanover
“I think there’s always been an interest in history, it’s just can we as a community get more of our citizens to think about history?” asked Cyndy Bittinger, president of the society. “I think when you know more about the history of your town, you’ll become more interested in engaging in your town.”
On Monday at 7 p.m., the historical society will host a program called “The History of the Hanover Golf Course and Pine Park” at the Richard W. Black Community Center. The speakers will be Linda Fowler, Dartmouth College professor of government emerita and Pine Park commissioner for the town, and Keith Quinton, who spent summers in Hanover starting the 1960s and has been a resident since 1989. He is also a Dartmouth College and Tuck School of Business graduate, and a local historian and avid golfer.
“We want to highlight the resources we have in town and the very active lifestyle that Hanover has,” Bittinger said. Earlier this month, the historical society held a screening of the documentary A Passion for Snow, about Dartmouth athletes who have had an impact on snow sports, particularly skiing. “Some of us think that Hanover, N.H., also nurtures athletes or just a good, active lifestyle. We’re happy to highlight that with these two programs.”
For the first time, the historical society is going to award a $1,000 scholarship to a Hanover High School senior who has “an interest or gift for history,” Bittinger said.
The organization is also working with alumni from Hanover High School to collect stories about past history teachers at the high school.
“We’d like to honor and remember our history teachers because they’re so important in the lives of our children and sometimes ourselves,” Bittinger said. “I don’t think history has been values as much as I’d like to see.”
Volunteers are also needed to be docents at the Daniel Webster House. There will be a training session followed by an ice cream social in May.
“They should be friendly to the public and like to learn about the history of the cottage and Daniel Webster so you can relate a story to the public about the artifacts,” Bittinger said.
Last Fourth of July, the historical society got more involved with the town celebration, including holding games and giving out coloring books to children.
“My feeling is the younger you get kids interested in history, the better that is,” Bittinger said. “You have to do a lot to get younger people involved. You can’t just have lectures for older people.”
It’s something the Hanover Historical Society is excited about doing.
“To show people what we have here will hopefully make them care more about their community,” Bittinger said. “You just get to be a more active citizen if you know your history.”
Editor’s note: For questions about programming or becoming a volunteer, or to share memories of Hanover High School history teachers, contact Bittinger at bittingercynthia1@gmail.com or 603-643-6810. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
