Life on the island began in 1623. Four hundred years later we are a thriving community. Our celebrations will include garden tours, historic walking tours, a living history including colonial reenactments, a colonial barn dance and a dynamic 4th of July parade. Come join us for these events. Be a part of our history in 2023.
Living History Weekend June 24-25, 2023 The New Castle Historical Society is organizing a living history weekend on New Castle Common, complete with a period encampment, New England military reenactors who portray frontier soldiers from 1623-1783 and colonial artisans. There will be many activities and demonstrations of various skills with an opportunity for the public to interact with the presenters. Sat. June 24 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., June 25 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Confirmed artisans for the weekend:
Greg Morin - surgeon Jennifer Roy - laundry woman William Jennison - corn husk dolls Emily Belanger - herbalist Richard Wright - blacksmith Charlene Warbeck - works with pewter Nancy Pecca - lace making Chuck Walker- Powder Horn Maker
Capt. Samuel Cherry's Company, Light Infantry, 2nd New Hampshire Regiment The Piscataqua Company and Benjamin Church’s Company Expanded handicapped parking will be available next to the military camps.
Military Schedule
10:00 - Unit formation, sizing and inspection per 1774 militia manual 10.30 – Matchlock vs. Flintlock firing 11:00 - unit drill with musket firing 11.30 – Matchlock vs. Flintlock firing 12:00 - lunch break (though with period ration cooking) 12.30 – Matchlock vs. Flintlock firing 1:00 - unit drill, marching & maneuvering, with musket firing 1.30 – Matchlock vs. Flintlock firing 2:00 - 3:00 - Light Infantry skirmish drill 3.30 – Matchlock vs. Flintlock firing (Saturday only)
Betty's Kitchen's Whoa Nellie Food Truck will be on site at the New Castle Common from 10.00-7.30 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. Colonial Barn Dance and Picnic Supper
June 24 Recreation Center, New Castle, 5-7.30 p.m. Free Parking on New Castle Common starting at 4.30 p.m. Open to the public and featuring Sue Hunt and the String Equinox. Sue Hunt plays regularly in NH and VT for public dances and private events and also calls dances for private gatherings. Her style is the traditional New England solid dancing beat for traditional New England contra and square dances.
Music will be provided by Spring Equinox who have been playing together for more than 20 years. They play New England style barn dances, square dances and contradances.
All dances are taught and no experience is necessary to have a wonderful time.
Tables will be available at the Rec. Center. The public is urged to bring their own picnic supper or buy food from the food truck to eat during the dance.
New Castle 4th of July Parade New Castle's annual 4th of July take place on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023. The Fourth of July Parade Committee has put together an extra special event in honor of our town's 400th anniversary. Please see below for the schedule of events: 10:00 Parade participants assemble by Maude H. Trefethen School 10:30 Parade begins. Participants march from MHT to the gazebo in the center of town 11:00 Ceremony at the gazebo includes presentation of colors by the United States Coast Guard, reading of the Declaration of Independence by Lady Liberty and a reenactment of the "Peppercorn Ceremony." (If you aren't familiar with the Peppercorn Ceremony, join us to find out more!) 11:30 Cookout and games, including tug of war, face painting and a dunk tank!
Betty's Kitchen's Whoa Nellie Food Truck will be on site at the New Castle Common from 10.00-7.30 on Saturday, June 24. Click the link below for the menu.