Ask anyone who spent a childhood summer in New Hampshire what “going up to camp” means, and the answer is rarely a definition—it is a memory. The slap of a screen door at dusk. The smell of pine on a sun-warmed dock. A wooden runabout idling up to the boathouse as the loons call across the water.
That shared tradition—one woven into the fabric of New Hampshire life for more than a century—is the inspiration behind the New Hampshire Boat Museum’s (NHBM) signature annual fundraiser, Night at the Museum: Up to Camp. Taking place on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at NHBM in Moultonborough, the event is a tribute to the memories that make New Hampshire’s lakes “so special.”
“The Lakes Region is such a big part of the state’s culture,” said NHBM Development Director Wendy Stocker. “It is a celebration of a shared heritage that spans the entire state and many generations of families.”
In keeping with the theme, guests are encouraged to arrive in their favorite camp-inspired attire. The evening will also feature camp-themed cuisine with a modern twist, dancing under the summer sky, and a live and curated silent auction offering unique experiences and treasures.
Event proceeds will support the NHBM’s mission to expand hands-on education for families and preserve the state’s freshwater boating history. “This is the very heritage that gives ‘up to camp’ its meaning,” added NHBM Executive Director Devon Kurtz.
The 2026 event is made possible by the support of presenting sponsors Lake Life Realty, Stephens Landscaping, and Fifty-Five Main Kitchen & Bar. Click here to purchase tickets for Night at the Museum: Up to Camp.
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 Goodhue Boat Company, North Water Marine, Eastern Propane and Oil, Kingswood Press and Design Studios, Avery Insurance, KW Lakes and Mountains, Lanes End Marine, Watermark Marine, Amoskeag Beverages, Mi Box, Fay’s Boat Yard, and BootLeggers.