The New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) is preparing to open for the season on Friday, July 5 at their new campus on Route 25 in Moultonborough.

“This season is all about a museum in the making, so visitors can see some of the work that is underway” said Executive Director Martha Cummings. “Right now, we’re working on large-scale exhibition designs.”

According to Cummings, staff and volunteer excitement about the new campus opening rests on substantial “sweat equity.” “We have been very busy moving our small objects collection and several boats from our location in Wolfeboro to the new 24,000-square-foot building,” she said.

Noting NHBM purchased the property in 2022, Cummings said the building includes a mezzanine and climate-controlled exhibits. “The structure is ADA-compliant, too,” she added. “Long-term, exhibits will showcase previously unseen artifacts and boats, which is pretty exciting.”

According to Jaime Laurent, Co-Chair of NHBM’s Board of Trustees, 2024 represents a chance to take “a glimpse of NHBM’s future.” “We will feature temporary exhibits that reveal the incredible diversity of our state’s boating culture,” she explained.

In the future at the Moultonborough campus, Cummings said visitors will be able to explore and interact with history through “compelling” exhibits that showcase boat building, sport and speed, and many styles and types of boats powered by wind, steam, gas, and paddles.

“This new space allows us to do so much more with programs and events while also providing the best care for our collections,” added Cummings.

Laurent agreed and said the Moultonborough Campus underscores an important element of NHBM’s deeper mission. “We believe boating, the outdoors, lake life, and historic and modern boating culture is for everyone,” she said.

NHBM’s new campus is located at 130 Whittier Hwy (Rte 25) in Moultonborough. The season runs from July 5 until September 29, Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. For this season, NHBM will offer free admission, but a $10 donation per person is encouraged to support programming and event experiences.

Featured programs at the Moultonborough Campus this summer include Lake Discovery Drop In Days on July 19 and August 16 and Hulls and Hops speaker series with Twin Barn Brewing on July 25, August 22, and September 12. NHBM will also host monthly featured artist receptions for NHBM members.

Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM offers dynamic exhibits, and engaging events and programs tailored to the diverse boating lifestyles and values of people of all ages. NHBM is sponsored in part by Goodhue Boat Company, Eastern Propane and Oil, Kingswood Press and Design Studio, KW Coastal, Lake and Mountains, Taylor Community, Belletetes, and North Water Marine. To learn more about NHBM, visit nhbm.org.