Nick DaBica has been involved with New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) for almost thirty years, and as a current member and part of the Collections Committee, he believes “the future looks bright” for the museum. Most recently, he has played a role in NHBM’s move to their new campus in Moultonborough. “It’s a dream come true so to speak,” DaBica said of NHBM’s new 24,000-square-foot building and “spacious” outdoor area. “I have nothing but praise for the museum,” he said. “I’ve watched it grow.”
DaBica has volunteered countless hours at NHBM—and at 80 years old, he still comes in once a week to offer assistance. He has also loaned NHBM two historic canoes, a Native American-made birchbark canoe and an 1895 Rushton sailing canoe, which are currently on display. “Nick has been an extraordinary asset to our museum,” said NHBM Executive Director Martha Cummings. “He is extremely passionate, and we are so grateful for his continued commitment to creating a thoughtful and well-curated collection.”
DaBica has been interested in boats since his childhood, as he grew up in Connecticut and “enjoyed watching boats” pass by from the bank of the Connecticut River. His love of boats is what later drew him to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. His late wife Linda, an early director of NHBM, and DaBica also spent time as members of the Board of Directors. In looking to the future, DaBica said his current focus for the Collections Committee is to define “where their collection is going and what they need to acquire to get there.” “These boats are works of art,” he said. “The Boat Museum is basically preserving a whole era of craftsmanship that will never be produced again.”
NHBM’s Moultonborough Campus is open Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., through September. Admission is free.
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 Belletetes, Eastern Propane & Oil, Epoxy Floor New England, Goodhue Boat Company, Kingswood Press and Design Studio, KW Coastal, Lake and Mountains, North Water Marine, and Taylor Community.