Dr. Alice Chesley

In the late 19th century, Alice Chesley taught school and then worked in Exeter's probate office. In her 30s, she decided to study medicine, eventually becoming Exeter's first female doctor. In this episode, Barbara examines the twists and turns in Dr. Chesley's life, including her journey from teacher to physician. This Exeter History Minute is generously sponsored by Exeter Hospital.

 

Exeter Nurses Training

In the early 1900s, most nurses were educated at hospital-based schools and Exeter’s nurses were no exception. From 1906 to 1935, Exeter Hospital ran a successful training school for nurses. In this episode of the Exeter History Minute, Barbara delves into the history of this local program that launched early 20th century women into careers. This history minute is generously sponsored by Exeter Hospital.

 

Anti-Suffragists of Exeter

We sometimes take the right to vote for granted. In this episode, Barbara reminds us that some segments of society have had to fight for the vote, and it hasn't always been a united front. This history minute is generously sponsored by Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella, PLLC.

 

Milliners of Exeter

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, there were relatively few careers open to women — the millinery profession was one of the more accepted and profitable. In this episode, Barbara explores the thriving women’s business community of milliners in Exeter. This Exeter History Minute is made possible by a grant from the Dan Brown Charitable Foundation, a fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

Sarah Clark

For the first 300+ years of our nation's history, there were relatively few career options for women; individual women have had to "shatter the glass ceiling" for their sisters, friends and daughters in every industry. In this episode, Barbara shares the story of one such woman — Sarah Clark of Exeter — the first female to hold the position of Treasurer in one of our banks.

Mira Richards

One hundred years ago, newspapers were the primary source of political news, and most NH residents relied on the reporting of Mira Richards (though they may not have known it). In this episode, Barbara explores the unusual life of Mrs. Richards, one of the first female Washington DC correspondents. This Exeter History Minute is brought to you by Anne Swane and Citizens Bank Mortgage Center.

 

Talbot Gym

Exeter’s Talbot Gym is located at the old Exeter High School building and, as of February 2020, is the town’s polling place. In this episode, Barbara uncovers the women behind the gymnasium's name — Jeannette and Jenette Talbot — and shares the story of how the gym came to be. This Exeter History Minute is generously sponsored by Jim Mills Re/Max Shoreline Real Estate.

 

The Amazing Sarah Nicholl

Sarah Nicholl came from Nova Scotia to attend Exeter Hospital’s Nurses’ Training School and stayed to run the hospital and the school. In this History Minute, Barbara focuses on Nicholl's life and some of the challenges she faced – a couple of world wars, a pandemic – she saw it all.  

 

Madora Bailey

In 1869, nine-year old Black student Madora Bailey signed her name in the Robinson Female Seminary registration book. In this episode, Barbara explores Dora's journey from young girl to accomplished teacher and wife of Delaware State University President William C. Jason. This episode is made possible by a grant from the Dan Brown Charitable Foundation, a fund of the NHCF.

Robinson Female Seminary

For nearly 100 years, Exeter’s girls went to a different school than the boys. With a generous bequest from a native son, the town built the Robinson Female Seminary. In this episode, Barbara explores the history of the school—how it began, and how it ended. This Exeter History Minute is made possible by a grant from the Dan Brown Charitable Foundation, a fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

Tabitha Tenney

In the early 21st century, parents are often heard lamenting the fact that their kids don’t read enough. In this Exeter History Minute, Barbara tells the story of the early female novelist and Exeter resident, Tabitha Gilman Tenney. This Exeter History Minute was generously sponsored by Anna Hardy of In Home Design Builds.

 

Nancy Carnegie Merrill

In this episode of the Exeter History Minute, we explore the contributions of Nancy Carnegie Merrill to the history of the Town of Exeter. Upon moving to the town, Nancy served as a school nurse for SAU16, and then went on to become a reference librarian and Exeter historian extraordinaire. This episode is brought to you by Exeter Hospital.

 

Women’s Suffrage in Exeter

In August 2020, the U.S. celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which granted (white) women the vote. (Women of color did not have the true ability to vote until 1965.) In this episode, Barbara examines the path to women’s suffrage in Exeter. 

 

Women Veterans

When we think of women’s contributions to WWII, we often think of the home front — housewives rationing and Rosie the Riveter. While those are examples of valuable contributions to the war effort, we must remember the women who served in the military, as well. In this episode, Barbara focuses on the stories of Exeter’s female WWII veterans and their roles in this massive conflict.