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“Cared for at the public expense”: A brief history of New Hampshire’s Poor Farms and State Institutions

  • Concord City Woman's Club 44 Pleasant Street Concord, NH, 03301 United States (map)

Join the Preservation Alliance's Andrew Cushing and the Division of Historical Resources' Nadine Miller for an historical overview of New Hampshire's poor farms and county institutions. 

Starting in the 1820s, NH towns created publicly-owned farms for their paupers. The idea was that this cost-effective form of welfare would would make the poor productive members of society. They didn't work. Our county institutions have roots in this poor farm era. This presentation will lay the groundwork for a future (April 18th) talk about mental health in New Hampshire. 

Please join for light refreshments and great discussion. Free, though donations are accepted.