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 The "Mystery Stone"
One of the New Hampshire Historical Society’s most mysterious and requested artifacts – the “Mystery Stone” – is on long-term display at the Society’s Museum of New Hampshire History. In 1872, construction workers dug up a suspicious lump of clay near the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, and Seneca A. Ladd of Meredith discovered this intriguing carved stone within the clay casing. Amateur and professional archaeologists have speculated about the “Mystery Stone’s” origin for over one hundred years. At the time of discovery, the American Naturalist described it as “a remarkable Indian relic.” In the next decade sources claimed, “This stone has attracted the wonder of the scientific world, European savants having vainly tried to obtain it.” Frances Ladd Coe of Center Harbor, the daughter of Seneca Ladd, donated the "Mystery Stone" to the New Hampshire Historical Society in 1927. The Society does not know of any other reported findings of a stone like this in the United States. Since putting the "Mystery Stone" on display, the Society has received a multitude of phone calls, e-mails, and letters from around the world. Amateurs and professionals alike are offering theories on the stone's creation. The Associated Press, CNN, the New Hampshire Union Leader, and many other local publications have featured stories on the stone. Buy the Mystery Stone T-Shirt! With worldwide attention focused on the New Hampshire Historical Society's most requested artifact, it was fitting that the Society introduce a special T-shirt featuring this curious wonder. Purchase your "Mystery Stone" T-shirt online or by calling 603/856-0625. Who Are We? Founded in 1823, the New Hampshire Historical Society is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and sharing New Hampshire history. The Society serves thousands of children and adults each year through its Museum of New Hampshire History, research library, educational programs, and award-winning publications. Join Us! The New Hampshire Historical Society is not a state-funded agency. All of the Society's programs and services are made possible by dues and contributions from individuals, foundations, and businesses. Free admission to Museum of New Hampshire History and free use of library research resources are two of the many benefits of membership in the New Hampshire Historical Society. You are invited to join today! Call the membership department at 603/856-0621 or use our convenient and secure online membership form. Plan Your Visit Today The Museum of New Hampshire History is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. The museum is also open Monday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 1 through October 15, and in the month of December. Admission is $5.50 for adults; $4.50 for seniors; $3 for children 6-18, with a family maximum of $17. Children under 6 and members of the New Hampshire Historical Society are admitted free. Directions The Museum of New Hampshire History is located at 6 Eagle Square in downtown Concord, NH. Telephone: 603/228-6688 Take Interstate 93 to Exit 14. Northbound -- turn left at the light at the end of the exit ramp; Southbound -- turn right at the light at the end of the exit ramp. Stay in the right lane. At North Main Street turn right. Take the next right onto Storrs Street. Pass under a bridge and overhead parking garage; the museum parking lot entrance is on the left just as you begin to emerge from under the overhead parking garage. At the parking lot entrance gate, take a ticket to open the lot gate. After parking, cross Storrs Street to the museum entrance. The museum is a four-story granite building. Parking is free for museum visitors. Bring your parking lot ticket to redeem for an exit token at the museum reception desks.  |
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