As 2025 draws to a close, the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) is celebrating a transformative year that redefined its role in the Lakes Region and established new benchmarks for community engagement and cultural tourism.
NHBM experienced a 40% increase in visitors this year, with guest engagement deepening significantly throughout the season.
“When we first opened in May, people stayed about 40-45 minutes,” said NHBM Executive Director Devon Kurtz. “By the end of the season, an hour to an hour and a half was the average visit. It’s exciting that it’s becoming more of a destination than a pass-through—it’s now becoming part of people’s itinerary when they are visiting.”
This shift reflects NHBM’s strategic positioning into what Kurtz referred to as “a year-round economic engine and educational powerhouse” in New Hampshire.
“People who have become members are coming multiple times a season and bringing guests, making the most of their membership and attending all programs and events,” added Development Director Wendy Stocker. “We’re seeing families and individuals truly invest in what we’re building here.”
NHBM has also emerged as a vital resource for specialty boating communities across New England. Organizations, including the Antique and Classic Boat Society and the New England Lyman Group, have made NHBM their location for regional gatherings and knowledge-sharing.
“They definitely feel like they’re part of the family and part of the story,” noted Kurtz. “They’re seeing us as a resource—a home away from home in a big way.”
This community-building approach peaked during NHBM’s biannual Regatta, attracting over 1,000 visitors over two days and selling out of merchandise at their offsite gift shop.
“The Regatta is such a well-oiled machine put together by a very passionate group of volunteers,” said Stocker. “They basically pitch our regatta to different race participants at other regattas across the country, as well as Canada, to draw people into Wolfeboro for our event.”
The year’s programming success featured standout events, including a presentation by Geoff Jones, a professional forester and U.S. Coast Guard veteran. “It was one of the most moving events I’ve seen in a very long time,” said Kurtz, who noted the strong year positions NHBM for its upcoming Phase 2 renovation project, beginning in January 2026.
The $500,000 project, funded in part by a Northern Borders Regional Catalyst program grant, will create additional programming space to meet growing community demand.
According to Kurtz, a key objective throughout all NHBM’s programming has been increased engagement.
“This year proved that when you create authentic experiences and build genuine community connections, people respond,” he said. “We’re not just displaying boats—we’re preserving New Hampshire’s fresh water boating heritage while building the foundation for future economic and educational impact across the region.”
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.