LIVING LEGACY CALENDARS
by Commissioner Van McLeod
Department of Cultural Resources

Representatives of Citizens Bank and the New Hampshire Department of Cultural Resources unveiled the 2006 Living Legacy Calendar at the State Library in Concord, joined by Governor John Lynch and first lady Dr. Susan Lynch, Commissioner of the N.H. Department of Cultural Resources Van McLeod, Citizens Bank New Hampshire president and CEO Tom Metzger, other state officials, and members of the cultural community in New Hampshire.

Celebrating New Hampshire's historic sites, the wall calendar features color photographs of 12 New Hampshire historic sites. Each will be represented in an exhibit to be on display at the State Library through November 10th, 2005.

"I am proud of all the cultural and natural resources New Hampshire has to offer its citizens and visitors. Susan and I are pleased to support this public-private partnership that gives us an opportunity to showcase some of those places," Governor Lynch said. "I congratulate Commissioner McLeod, the staff of the Department of Cultural Resources, and Citizens Bank for making this calendar possible. I also want to thank the many volunteers and staff people who work tirelessly to ensure that the people of New Hampshire can enjoy these historic treasures."

Representatives from each of the historic sites were in attendance today at the opening of the exhibit.

"We are delighted to once again join with the Department of Cultural Resources in creating this beautiful and unique calendar which honors the fine educational and historic sites in New Hampshire," said Tom Metzger, president and CEO of Citizens Bank New Hampshire. "Thanks to this partnership, we have highlighted 12 diverse and remarkable historic sites in the state, and we want to honor their dedication and commitment to the arts and the heritage of our state, helping to strengthen our communities and make New Hampshire a great place to live and raise a family. The calendar, which prominently features photographs and descriptions of each site, will serve to help these organizations showcase their work, as will the comprehensive exhibit that has been created and is on display at the State Library starting today. We couldn't be more proud to be a part of this creative endeavor, while at the same time, helping to raise funds for international cultural exchanges."

Proceeds from the sale of the calendars will go to support international cultural exchanges administered by the State Department of Cultural Resources. The Department is actively involved with exchanges in Europe, South America and in North America. We have a formal Cultural Exchange Agreement with the province of Quebec and are working with them on the Quebec 2008 celebration."

We are extremely pleased to bring this calendar to you and truly hope you enjoy using it as much as we enjoyed creating it," said Van McLeod, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Resources. "The rich and unique traditions of the many historic sites in New Hampshire are expansive and diverse, and host thousands of guests each year, with a great deal of special programming and events - all cause for celebration! We are honored to bring them the attention and recognition each of them so deserve, as well as the many others throughout the state who continue to highlight New Hampshire's notable historical traditions."

The following New Hampshire historic sites are featured in the calendar:

• Belknap Mill Society, Laconia
• Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury
• Museum of NH History, Concord
• Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth
• Northern Forest Heritage Park, Berlin
• Historical Society of Cheshire County, Keene
• Manchester Historical Association's Millyard Museum, Manchester
• American Independence Museum, Exeter
• The Woodman Institute, Dover
• Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, Tamworth
• Fort at #4, Charlestown
• St. Gauden's National Historic Site, Cornish

McLeod added, "For the third year in a row, Citizens Bank has supported this initiative and we are thankful for their endorsement and dedication to our efforts to enhance cultural exchange programs abroad. We also believe that the exhibit of all the historic sites, which will stay on display at the State Library until November 10th, will bring added recognition to all of the Granite State's historical venues and their importance in supporting educational and community endeavors. Thank you to Governor Lynch, Dr. Susan Lynch, and Citizens Bank for their support and commitment."

Calendars are available for $5.00 each and may be purchased at each of the 12 museums and at the State Library.

About the Citizens Bank Foundation

The Citizens Bank Foundation is the principal charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Financial Group, Citizens Bank and Charter One Bank, N.A. The foundation's support is focused on housing, community development and basic human needs. Citizens' website is citizensbank.com.

 

About the NH Department of Cultural Resources

Created by the legislature in 1985 the Department of Cultural Resources serves New Hampshire citizens in local efforts to broaden minds and spirits, preserve history and culture for future generations, and to promote our cultural resources as an essential element of New Hampshire's economic and social well being. The Department of Cultural Resources includes the New Hampshire State Library, the Division of Historical Resources, the New Hampshire Council on the Arts, the New Hampshire Film & Television Office and the American Canadian French Cultural Exchange Commission.