Strafford News

Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on December 6.

Dover400, a committee of residents organizing Dover’s 400th Anniversary, concludes its monthly virtual lecture series on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 7:00PM with an online showing of the film “Voices From the Cemetery”, an historical and entertaining montage which visits with two dozen prominent and provocative citizens from Dover’s past. Each featured guest is buried at Pine Hill Cemetery, and comes back to life in this production, which was filmed in September 2020 for the Woodman Museum.  

“Voices From the Cemetery” features some familiar characters who have appeared in re-enactments before, as well as new and interesting faces and stories which will guarantee new historical knowledge about Dover.  Cast members include sea captains, governors and senators, a Civil War nurse, an eccentric curmudgeon, Dover’s first mayor and his wife, two hilarious librarians, a renowned painter, a couple of impressive female entrepreneurs, Dover’s first hanging victim, a prominent druggist, the secret fiancé of John Wilkes Booth, and the famed Weeping Bride.

“Several Pine Hill Cemetery re-enactment events have taken place over the past decade with in-person tours, but this version was created solely on film, without crowds, due to the pandemic,” said Cathy Beaudoin, Dover400 board member. “We are grateful to the Woodman Museum and to filmmaker Mike Gillis for allowing us to show the film online on the 14th.”

The earlier eleven lectures, which cover Dover history from the early 17th to the mid-20th centuries, can be found on the Dover400.org website. Each Dover400 presentation is free and open to the public, pre-registration is required. To sign up for the December 14, 2021 lecture, please RSVP on www.Dover400.org.

Dover400 is currently underway with two fundraising campaigns, “$400 for 400”, an effort to solicit 400 donors at $400 to celebrate Dover’s 400th Anniversary; and also “The 1623 Society” with membership available for a donation of $1623.  All proceeds will support the activities planned throughout 2023. Donations may be sent to Dover400, 24 Chestnut St., Dover, NH 03820. For more information, please visit www.Dover400.org.

About  

Established in 1623, Dover was the first permanent settlement in New Hampshire.  Dover400 is a group of appointed volunteers gathered to plan and organize the City’s 400th birthday celebration which will include historical reenactments, fireworks and parades, school involvement, souvenirs and more.

Dover400 is comprised of enthusiastic citizens from diverse backgrounds who are all committed to one purpose: ensuring a Dover is recognized and celebrated for this momentous event. Members include Kevin McEneaney, Chair; Sam Allen, Vice-Chair; Nicole Desjarlais-Paulick, Secretary; Kathleen Morrison, Treasurer; Deborah Ballok; Cathy Beaudoin; Bob Carrier; Angela Carter; Guy Eaton; J. Andrew Galt; Zachary Koehler; Tom Massingham; Karen Weston; Sam Crane; Kerry Berry; and Stephanie Bolduc.

Original source can be found here.