NH Local Artifact Boxes Project 2026
A collaborative project connecting high school libraries & local historical societies through community appreciation
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Welcome to the NH Local History Artifact Box Collaborative Project
Hello Library Colleagues!
Thank you for becoming part of this effort to ensure that NH history is not just read, but handled, examined, and experienced by our students. I have not been this psyched about a project since before COVID. Together, we are building a living, circulating, student-centered model that allows communities to share themselves. Thank you for stepping forward to help. I’m very excited and will share info as it emerges.
With enthusiasm & appreciation,
Christine Heaton
Items for the NH High School Libarians' Town Artifacts Boxes.pdfA quick recap of the project vision, just in case:
A quick recap of the project vision, just in case:
NH high school librarians will curate artifact boxes with the help of their local historical societies that represent their community’s unique history. These boxes will circulate through Interlibrary Loan (ILL), allowing students across the state to explore what makes different regions unique through tactile, homegrown materials that complement what is available through the State Archives and other repositories.
Here are 2 important tasks for folks who want to get started right away:
Begin informal conversations with your local historical societies to gauge interest and potential collaboration.
Start brainstorming your list of artifacts that would best represent and explain the uniqueness of your community.
DEVELOPMENTS THIS WEEK:
DEVELOPMENTS THIS WEEK:
April 1, 2026
April 1, 2026
At this time, the last 4 boxes are being shipped by ILL van. I've seen some very cool community libraries in my delivery travels. TY to everyone for your patience. The additional supplies should arrive soon and I will get those additional 8 boxes out ASAP.
March 27, Supplies Going Out
March 27, Supplies Going Out
Fifteen materials kits were picked up at the March 20 NHSLS Conference, and remaining kits are being delivered (by me) or shipped (via ILL). For those who signed up at the conference, thank you for participating. I will have kits for you after my next supply order. Special thanks to Mindy Atwood at the NH State Library for her help wth van coordination.
Fifteen materials kits were picked up at the March 20 NHSLS Conference, and remaining kits are being delivered (by me) or shipped (via ILL). For those who signed up at the conference, thank you for participating. I will have kits for you after my next supply order. Special thanks to Mindy Atwood at the NH State Library for her help wth van coordination.
I've created an email group (separate from the general NHSLS mesg board) of all participants.The project timeline spreadsheet is updated and all materials were linked to my first email. I will also update the Historical Societies tab so you have that contact information.
I've created an email group (separate from the general NHSLS mesg board) of all participants.The project timeline spreadsheet is updated and all materials were linked to my first email. I will also update the Historical Societies tab so you have that contact information.
March 6, Timeline Ready
March 6, Timeline Ready
3/6/26 The press kit is complete and will be shared with you. It contains everything including an image and MARC record format that you should be able to copy-paste. If someone knows how to make an uploadable version, please guide me.
3/6/26 The press kit is complete and will be shared with you. It contains everything including an image and MARC record format that you should be able to copy-paste. If someone knows how to make an uploadable version, please guide me.
3/4/26 Librarians, please check your email for access to our spreadsheet of progress. I will not be linking the live document here as it contains contact information.
3/4/26 Librarians, please check your email for access to our spreadsheet of progress. I will not be linking the live document here as it contains contact information.
Feb 24, Monetary Support!
Feb 24, Monetary Support!
The Hollis Historical Society has been AMAZINGLY generous in supporting this endeavor!
Feb 19, Project Steps
Feb 19, Project Steps
I'm hearing the need for a "project schedule."
I am still in the "getting everyone on board" phase, so I'll have a clearer timeline (with approximate dates) once all of the materials are sent out. But in the meantime, here are the 5 steps to making this happen. I'm only on Step 2, myself. But we should all be aiming for boxes to be ready for use in the Fall.
Feb 16, Inclusion Idea
Feb 16, Inclusion Idea
My students are getting excited to see the map of participants expand, and they have a suggestion for artifacts to include: People of Importance. To clarify, they do not mean celebrities. They hope to see stories about anyone who did difficult and important things for their communities. I was happily surprised and proud that they made this suggestion.
Feb 13, NH Historical Society Support!
Feb 13, NH Historical Society Support!
Elizabeth Dubrulle of the New Hampshire Historical Society shared that the NHHS has been working on a response to the 306 updates. Later this spring, they are rolling out a free online resource bank of NH-specific sources for high school history and government classes. Their initiative will include dozens of curated primary sources, secondary informational texts, contextual background materials, graphic organizers, discussion prompts, project suggestions, and free PD for educators. However, the NHHS materials will look at NH through a statewide lens. Ms Dubrulle sounded enthusiastic that our locally-focused project will dovetail with their work. NHHS will provide state-level history and national context, and our artifact boxes will bridge this with local historical societies' experiential, community-based materials. NHHS has also expressed interest in helping promote our artifact box network through a webpage connected to their new initiative so educators statewide can see what communities are offering and how to participate. Big visibility win for our collaboration!
To help us reach more communities, NHHS recommended some names and organizations to contact, so that’s on my weekend to-do list.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Hollis Brookline HS
Alvirne HS
Milford HS
Bedford HS
Laconia HS
Monadnock Regional HS
Newmarket Elementary
Newmarket JrSr HS
Souhegan HS
SAU35 - White Mountains
Coe-Brown Northwood Academy
Shaker Regional HS
Oyster River HS
Londonderry MS
Salem HS
Portsmouth HS
Hopkinton Middle-High
Farmington HS
Dover HS
Campbell HS
Timberlane HS
John Stark Regional HS
Mascenic HS
Linwood HS
Wilton-Lyndeborough HS
Littleton HS
Daisy Bronson MS
Profile HS
Participating/Supporting Organizations: Hollis Historical Society, NH Historical Society.
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