Join the Howe Library in celebrating the 250th anniversary of America! We’ll have talks on the Revolutionary War and the founding of the country, Colonial crafts for kids, a zine workshop for teens, a papermaking workshop for adults, and more! You can find a complete list of Howe programs below and view the Town of Hanover brochure for 250th events here. And you are welcome to join the library in marching in the parade on the 4th of July, or in making tie-dye t-shirts on the Green afterwards!
All Ages
Celebrating the 250th: The Hanover History Hunt
June 1st – July 4th, 2026
Discover and explore Hanover’s history in this all ages scavenger hunt in collaboration with the Hanover Historical Society. Stop into the library and pick up a scavenger hunt map at either the children’s or information desk, visit all 8 locations around town and learn about its history, return your map at the library before July 4th and be entered to win one of three Still North gift cards. Children 12 and under will additionally receive a free book upon completion.
Adult Programs
Celebrating the 250th: The Native Americans’ Revolution
April 28th, 2026 – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join Colin Calloway, Professor of History at Dartmouth, for a discussion of the Native American experience during the time of the American Revolution, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This program will be hybrid: attend in person in the Mayer Room, or register for the Zoom invitation here.
This talk will explore the varied experiences and different meanings of freedom for Indigenous peoples in the American Revolution.
Celebrating the 250th: Frontier of Revolution: The Upper Valley in 1776
May 13th, 2026 – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join Paul Musselwhite, Professor of History at Dartmouth, for a discussion of the Upper Valley at the time of the American Revolution, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This program will be hybrid: attend in person in the Mayer Room, or register for the Zoom invitation here.
Celebrating the 250th: One Nation Under Siege: The First Amendment and the Perils of Christian Nationalism
May 19th, 2026 – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join Randall Balmer, Professor of Religion at Dartmouth, for a discussion of the First Amendment in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This program will be hybrid: attend in person in the Mayer Room, or register for the Zoom invitation here.
The First Amendment, a concession to religious pluralism, is under attack as never before in our history. Christian nationalists, those who claim that the United States is and always has been a Christian nation, are seeking to undermine the separation of church and state, which has ensured the vitality of the religious marketplace while protecting the government from the religious factionalism that caused so much violence in England and Europe.
Celebrating the 250th: The Spirit of ’76: Can the People Rule?
May 28th, 2026 – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Russell Muirhead, Robert Clements Professor of Democracy and Politics at Dartmouth College, will discuss the past and future of democracy in light of the founding principles of the country. This is a hybrid event. Join us in person in the Mayer Room or online via Zoom. No registration required in person; register for Zoom here.
Can the Constitution Still Work? What does the Constitution ask for from citizens and officials? In a politics where each side fears and loathes the other, can we make the Constitution work?
Drawing the Revolution: Local History and Storytelling through Zines
June 2nd, 2026 – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Join cartoonist, Marek Bennett, in a discussion on how local history and the 250th revolution combine in community storytelling in his zine workshops. This is a hybrid event. Join us in person in the Mayer Room or online via Zoom. No registration required in person; register for Zoom here.
In this presentation, Marek will share how he draws from archival documents, photographs, oral histories, and other primary sources to craft visually compelling and historically grounded comics about local events and people.
Howe@snorth: Historical Trivia
June 10th, 2026 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Test your history knowledge in this friendly competition with fascinating facts in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution! From rebellious tea parties to legendary battles and bold Founding Fathers and Mothers! There will be six rounds of eight questions each. Compete in teams of 1-4 people. Registration is required.
Celebrating the 250th: Hand Papermaking
June 23th, 2026 – 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Join us for Art in the Library, a chance to explore your creativity with a new art activity each month!
This month we will be guided by local artist Emma Percy through the traditional western-style papermaking process step-by-step; understanding different types of fiber and where they come from, processing the plants and making pulp, forming sheets, adding decorative inclusions from in and around the garden, and pressing and drying the sheets.
Be sure to wear clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Registration required
Teen Programs
Drawing the Revolution: Teen Zine Workshop
May 31st, 2026 – 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Join cartoonist, Marek Bennett, to learn local history and capture untold stories in comics! Registration required, seats limited. This program is for ages 13-19. Registration required.
In this two hour workshop, teens will utilize source materials and research to create zines celebrating local voices of the Upper Valley during the American Revolution. All materials will be provided, no drawing experience necessary.
Teens and their guardians are encouraged to attend Marek’s talk on June 2nd, where he’ll highlight some of the comics produced in this workshop. Check out the event listing here!
