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New Hampshire: A Proven Primary Tradition
The New Hampshire Historical Society and the New Hampshire Political Library have teamed up to present a new exhibition on New Hampshire’s
first-in-the-nation presidential primary, New Hampshire: A Proven Primary Tradition. |
The history and importance of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation Presidential primary is the focus of a
new exhibition of the New Hampshire Historical Society and the New Hampshire Political Library. New
Hampshire: A Proven Primary Tradition looks at the impact New Hampshire’s primary has on the national
Presidential nominating process and examines how the state’s political culture and traditions have shaped its
first-in-the-nation role. The colorful retrospective adds to our appreciation for the New Hampshire primary
and reinforces the importance of our own participation in the political process.
New Hampshire’s tradition of political participation goes back to the 18th century, and its town-centered style
of government encourages active participation by all. The state has held a Presidential primary since 1916, and
became first in the nation in 1920. By 1952, when Dwight Eisenhower won an unexpected victory against
Robert Taft, an impressive 43 percent of eligible New Hampshire voters turned out to vote
in the primary. In 2004, that number was up to 74 percent.
What You'll See
New Hampshire: A Proven Primary Tradition gives insight into the unique character of today’s New Hampshire
Presidential primary by presenting it in a historical context. The exhibition is organized into five sections,
each exploring a different aspect of New Hampshire politics and the primary: Defining a Political
Tradition; An Engaged Citizenry; Knowledge is Power; A Level Playing Field; and The Crucible
of Politics.
An Engaged Citizenry explores how participation in local government has been at the center of New
England political and cultural history for almost four centuries. Town residents continue this tradition of local
participation through annual town meeting day.
Knowledge is Power follows the Enlightenment ideal of an informed citizenry developed as a result of
the American Revolution. The role of newspapers, radio, television and the Internet in the New Hampshire Presidential
primary will be explored, as well as the fact that the New Hampshire contest is a venue in which candidates
are forced to deal with voters one-on-one, shaking hands and answering questions in unscripted settings.
A Level Playing Field reflects on how successful campaigning in New Hampshire has not traditionally depended
on a huge financial war chest. New Hampshire’s size and its independent community tradition put candidates in touch
with a wide range of voters.
In The Crucible of Politics, voters demonstrate their faith in democracy and majority rule by
participating in the electoral process. New Hampshire voters consistently demonstrate record turnout that is twice the
national average. The active stewardship of New Hampshire voters goes further than participating in the
elections. Many of the state’s citizens volunteer time and money to help their chosen candidate.
Moreover, many communities and organizations ensure that candidates come to their schools, town halls and
more informal community settings like living rooms to meet the candidate. No other state can match
New Hampshire’s per capita voter engagement.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
New Hampshire: A Proven Primary Tradition is sponsored by
Rath, Young and Pignatelli,
Boston Private Value Investors,
the Mount Washington Resort, and
BaileyDonovan, with the
New Hampshire Union Leader
and WMUR-TV as media sponsors.
Plan Your Visit Today
The exhibition is on view from September 8, 2007, through June 21, 2008, at the New Hampshire Historical Society’s
library, located at 30 Park Street in Concord, New Hampshire. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday,
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Directions
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. Move into the left lane in order to take
a left onto North Main Street. Take the next right onto Park Street (a one-way street that goes up the right
side of the State House). At the stop sign, continue straight; the New Hampshire Historical Society's library
is the granite building on the right. Metered parking is available on surrounding streets. Street parking
is free on Saturday and Sunday.
About the New Hampshire Political Library
The New Hampshire Political Library is a
nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to increase civic engagement in the democratic process by promoting
and preserving our unique political traditions and ensuring these traditions are passed on to future
generations. Central to the Political Library’s mission is the cultivation and maintenance of collections and
archives on each New Hampshire Presidential primary since 1952. The Political Library also provides public
education and outreach to students, scholars, the general public, and national and international media regarding
the history of the New Hampshire Presidential primary and its role in the national Presidential selection
process. The Political Library operates the historic Pierce Manse in Concord and administers the Kids
Voting New Hampshire programs in communities across the state. For more information, visit
www.politicallibrary.org or call
603/225-4617.
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.
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