“The historical society has become a model for how the business community can partner with schools to improve students’ educational experiences.” ”
For Students
Partner with us on Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs)
The historical society has partnered with teachers in the Exeter High School history department on several occasions to provide students with Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs). Examples of ELOs include creating a Lincoln Resource Center website, in-depth research on an Exeter artist and a mural and website about Exeter’s forgotten history. Contact a social studies teacher at your school if you’d like to do an ELO of your own.
Annual Nancy Carnegie Merrill History Award Contest
February - April
Every winter between 2007 and 2021, the Exeter Historical Society invited students in grades 6 to 12 to compete for the Nancy Carnegie Merrill History Award in honor of our esteemed former curator for her invaluable contributions to the preservation and interpretation of our local history.
Every year, students of the Cooperative Middle School, Exeter High School, Phillips Exeter Academy, and the greater Seacoast area were invited to enter and a panel of judges chose the essay entries from each division (Middle School and High School) that best met the criteria of outstanding achievement in format, historical accuracy, originality and style and awarded prizes. The winning papers were read by the authors at our annual Youth Night awards ceremony in late April. The most recent Youth Night was held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, and celebrated young people who excel in the study of history. We did not hold an essay contest in 2022. The event was sponsored by Service Credit Union.
We are currently re-formulating the contest and Youth Night event for 2023, and will post updates here.
For Teachers
School Group Visits
The Exeter Historical Society welcomes school children of all ages interested in an aspect of Exeter history. To the classroom teachers, we offer on-site programs at the Historical Society, outreach visits at your school, or a combination of the two catered to fit your particular needs. If desired, we will work with the teacher to customize a program to help meet specific educational standards. There is a minimal charge for some of these programs. Please inquire for pricing.
“With remarkable success the commitment of EHS staff members and SAU 16 schools has engendered a collaboration that is focused on both the sharing of history and the development of a passion for understanding and appreciating the past. The students within [the district] are the true beneficiaries of the EHS efforts. The seeds of interest that they have planted — and continue to plant — will bear fruit that will be shared with future generations.””