The Farmington Historical Society operates The Museum of Farmington History. The museum is open during Meetings of the Historical Society, held on the first Friday of each month, on Hay Day, and by special appointment.
The native Indians called the area "Chemung," meaning "canoe place." When settlers arrived in the 1770's, it was known as the Northwest Parish of Rochester. Distance and rough roads made it difficult for these first families to travel to the established church in Rochester, although they were taxed heavily for it. This age old problem of taxation was the catalyst which caused the citizens to petition for a charter to incorporate a separate township of Farmington, and this was granted on December 1, 1798. The first town meeting was held on March 11, 1799, at the home of Simon Dame. The 141 voters present elected three selectmen: Idhabod Hayes, Lieutenant Ephraim Kimball and David Roberts. This form of government has been maintained, with the addition of a town administrator, to this day.
Originally an agricultural settlement, the early homes were farms in the Merrill's Corner section, hence the town name. In the 1800s, the establishment of water-powered industries along the Cocheco, Ela and Mad Rivers caused a population shift with the present downtown area evolving near these rivers. The subsequent construction, in 1849, of a railroad through the mill area brought further prosperity and cemented the location of the town commercial center. In the early days this business area was referred to as "The Dock" or "Puddledock," a name which endures today on the masthead of the local newspaper, The Puddledock Pres
Though difficult to envision today, the downtown area once contained several hotels, grocery stores and even a movie theater and bowling alley. Farmington has had its ups and downs like any other community, with prosperity checked by disasters and economic depressions. Through good and bad times, its generations of loyal residents remained strong and supportive of one another, with deep pride in the past accomplishments and optimism for the future.
The Historical Society does not maintain historical records of residents and families previously living in Farmington. The Goodwin Library does have a few records from local cemeteries. While we welcome questions of any kind, and will try to answer them as best we can, please contact the town offices and Goodwin Library first, if you are conducting genealogical searches. They are more equipped to help you with your questions.
Meeting at 6:00 PM Presentation at 7:00 PM in the Historical Society Museum at the Goodwin Library. Membership is $5/year.
Join the Farmington Historical Society!
Following the meeting we will stay in the museum to record any Farmington residents who want to share their favorite stories about Farmington. Whether it be about past town events, family memories, friendships, favorite objects, come join us and share your memory of Farmington's past. The program is open to all and all are welcome.
This site contains the online collection and archive information for items in the Farmington NH Historical Society Museum at the Goodwin Library. The online museum has a small representation of what we have available, but as time goes on, more items are being added at regular intervals. Some of the items in the museum collection belong to other organizations and are cataloged as such. Other items do not exist in the physical collection, but have been donated as digital records for the archive. Please consider visiting the Farmington NH Historical Society website to view past and current events sponsored by the society.
The Stories of Farmington Initiative is an ongoing project of the Farmington Historical Society that attempts to capture our local history and make it come alive through storytelling. The collaboratory project seeks volunteer participants who currently or formerly lived in Farmington to share their favorite stories about Farmington, or about their lives in Farmington. The Society wants you to share your stories about past town events, family memories, friendships, favorite objects, or your favorite memories of life in Farmington past or present. All you have to do is make an appointment to have your story recorded by the Historical Society.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: True