Exploring Local History in Wolfeboro, NH
June 7, 2025
A Journey Through Time on the Shores of Lake Winnipesaukee
Wolfeboro may be best known as a peaceful summer getaway and a gateway to Lake Winnipesaukee, but it’s also a town with deep New England roots and a rich historical legacy. Known as “The Oldest Summer Resort in America,” Wolfeboro blends small-town charm with centuries of stories — from colonial roots and lakefront industry to presidential visits and modern preservation efforts.
If you’re staying in or near Wolfeboro — whether at a rental like Belleau Lake Escape or just exploring the Lakes Region — taking time to uncover the town’s past can add depth and meaning to your visit.
Here’s how to explore Wolfeboro’s local history while enjoying a scenic and relaxing stay in New Hampshire.
The Wright Museum of WWII
Location: 77 Center Street, Wolfeboro
More than just a military museum, the Wright Museum offers an immersive look at American life during World War II, with exhibits focused on the home front as well as the front lines.
What makes this museum truly family-friendly and unique is the way it blends artifacts with storytelling. You’ll walk through a recreated 1940s American Main Street, view vintage vehicles, and explore rotating exhibits that connect national history to local lives.
Don’t Miss:
- The operational WWII-era vehicles
- Interactive kids’ exhibits
- Special events and themed weekends
Tip: The Wright Museum is open seasonally from May through October, so check the calendar before planning your visit.
The New Hampshire Boat Museum
Location: 399 Center Street, Wolfeboro Falls
Lake Winnipesaukee’s role in the town’s history can’t be overstated — and this museum dives right into it. The NH Boat Museum celebrates the area’s long-standing boating traditions, with a focus on antique wooden boats, vintage outboards, and stories of life on the lake.
Perfect for families, the museum is approachable and hands-on, with exhibits that show how the lake shaped the economy, culture, and leisure lifestyle of Wolfeboro for generations.
Highlights Include:
- Vintage racing boats and classic wooden cruisers
- A working boat shop and model yacht displays
- Boat building classes (even for kids)
Bonus: You can also book a ride on Millie B, a 28-foot wooden boat replica that gives guided tours of Wolfeboro Bay.
Clark House Museum Complex
Location: 233 South Main Street, Wolfeboro
Operated by the Wolfeboro Historical Society, the Clark House Complex is a hidden gem for anyone curious about what life looked like in Wolfeboro across the 18th and 19th centuries. The grounds include a colonial-era saltbox home, a schoolhouse, a firehouse, and a replica of Wolfeboro’s first railroad station.
This seasonal outdoor museum is especially fun during the summer when interpreters and guides bring local history to life through tours and demonstrations.
Plan Your Visit:
- Open to the public from late June through early September
- Self-guided and docent-led tours available
- Special events include living history days and local artisan showcases
The Libby Museum of Natural History
Location: 755 North Main Street, Wolfeboro
Though not a history museum in the traditional sense, the Libby Museum is the oldest natural history museum in New Hampshire — and that in itself makes it worth a visit. Founded in 1912 by Dr. Henry Libby, it houses a wide variety of taxidermy animals, geological samples, and artifacts related to the natural and cultural history of the region.
Kids will be fascinated by the eclectic displays (think moose, turtles, and owls alongside Native American tools and Victorian-era curiosities).
What Makes It Special:
- Gorgeous setting along Lake Winnipesaukee
- Informal, approachable exhibits perfect for young visitors
- A fascinating mix of science and history
Presidential History: Wolfeboro’s Connection to the White House
Wolfeboro’s claim as a summer retreat isn’t just for travelers. In 2007, President George H. W. Bush spent time vacationing in town, and over the years, it has quietly hosted other notable political figures and dignitaries.
While there aren’t official “presidential sites” to visit, many walking tours of downtown Wolfeboro touch on this chapter of its history, offering a glimpse into what has made the town such a beloved destination for generations.
Walk Through History: Main Street and the Railroad
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, downtown Wolfeboro is essentially an open-air museum in itself. Stroll through the historic district, where you’ll find:
- 19th-century architecture
- Old store fronts and preserved homes
- Markers detailing the Wolfeboro Railroad, which once connected the town to the broader New England rail network
The Wolfeboro Railroad Depot has been restored and is now part of the Cotton Valley Rail Trail — a great place to combine a history walk with biking or strolling along the water.
Pair History With a Lake Stay
One of the best parts of visiting Wolfeboro is that you don’t have to choose between relaxation and enrichment. You can spend the morning touring a historical site and the afternoon kayaking on the lake, then finish the day with ice cream on the docks.
Staying nearby at a vacation rental like Belleau Lake Escape gives you a quiet home base just a short drive from all of Wolfeboro’s historical attractions — ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to balance activity with downtime.
Final Thoughts: History You Can Feel
Wolfeboro isn’t just a scenic town on the lake — it’s a living timeline. From Revolutionary roots to wartime stories, lake traditions, and natural science, the history here is woven into everyday life. Whether you’re traveling with kids, history enthusiasts, or simply curious minds, you’ll find plenty of ways to engage with the past while soaking up the beauty of the present.
