While tourists pack up their lake houses and summer crowds thin out across New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) is just hitting its stride. Behind the scenes at NHBM’s Moultonborough campus, a transformation is underway that will position the museum as “a year-round economic engine and educational powerhouse” for the entire state.
“People see us as a summer destination, but our real impact happens 365 days a year,” said NHBM Executive Director Devon Kurtz. “While others are closing for the season, we’re ramping up programs that will shape New Hampshire’s workforce, preserve our fresh water heritage, and drive economic development well into the future.”
This future is already taking shape at NHBM as part of an ongoing renovation project at the museum’s Moultonborough campus that is entering its second phase. “Phase 2 of the renovation project will allow for full use and occupancy of the present building [at 130 Whittier Hwy in Moultonborough],” said Jaime Laurent, NHBM Board Co-Chair. “This opens amazing opportunities to the regional communities and organizations for planning, meeting and educational space.”
The $500,000 project, supported by a $250,000 Northern Border Regional Commission grant, will renovate 6,500 square feet of the main floor. The Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program supports projects that stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships across rural communities in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.
The renovation project addresses growing demand from community organizations—NHBM already hosts nearly 20 groups annually, with a waiting list for programming space. “The expectation is to begin Phase 2 in January 2026 and will begin use of the space by July 2026,” added Laurent.
The renovation will create a multimedia classroom and meeting room designed to serve diverse groups, while a flexible exhibit space will accommodate rotating displays that focus on New Hampshire’s waterways and boating heritage.
“We’re creating spaces where students can explore STEM concepts—from the physics of how vessels move through water to understanding different propulsion systems,” said Laurent. “This renovation connects our fresh water heritage and preservation with hands-on learning opportunities.”
Kurtz said the expansion also supports New Hampshire’s 4th-grade curriculum standards, incorporating the state’s waterway history from Indigenous peoples through industrial development to modern conservation efforts.
“This renovation is an investment in education, recreation, tourism, community vitality, and positive economic impact,” he added. “We’re not just displaying boats—we’re educating the next generation about the ways New Hampshire’s water and waterways have shaped the state.”
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM offers dynamic exhibits and engaging events and programs tailored to the diverse boating lifestyles and values of people of all ages. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Home Comfort, North Water Marine, Goodhue Boat Company, Belletetes, Eastern Propane and Oil, Kingswood Press and Design Studios, and Watermark Marine.