When New Hampshire Boat Museum’s new facility in Moultonborough opens, visitors will have the opportunity to see a number of historic boats that will be on exhibit for the first time. “The first exhibition will feature several rare Chris Craft boats that are circa 1929 to 1939 from the Stowell Family collection,” said Wendy Stocker, Development Manager at the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM).
These displays, however, will only tell part of the story, as the custom handmade cradles in which the boats sit result from hundreds of volunteer hours and custom plans created by Lawton Read. “His commitment to volunteering is incredible,” said Stocker. “He priced out the lumber and hardware for the job, and he also measured the boats in the collection and created the design for the cradles.”
This lumber and hardware totaled $8,000, which was covered by an in-kind donation of materials from Belletetes Lumber and Building Materials. “We can’t thank them enough for their support of this ambitious project, which will result in a permanent display of some amazing boats, each with unique stories behind them,” said NHBM Executive Director Martha Cummings.
According to Eddie Olson, Sales Manager at Belletetes, whose Moultonborough location is across the street from NHBM’s new facility, supporting the museum “made a lot of sense.” “We want to be involved in the communities we serve,” he said. “This donation ensures that this display will remain a permanent part of the Lakes Region for a long time.”
This sense of history, said Olson, is important to Belletetes, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary. “We were founded just after the Spanish American War ended,” he explained. “We have been through two pandemics and two World Wars. Here we are 125 years later, and we are as committed as ever to community outreach and support and still owned by the same family.”
In reflecting on the boat display that will serve as one of the most visible characteristics of NHBM’s new facility, Cummings expressed appreciation. “We are so thankful for the support we have received from our volunteers, Belletetes, and so many other individuals and businesses as we expand into this space,” she said.
Cummings also expressed excitement regarding NHBM’s future. “This new space will enable us to host larger exhibitions and offer more educational programming while better caring for our collection,” she said. “It’s an exciting time for NHBM and everyone who helped us get to this point.”
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM is committed to inspire people of all ages with an understanding of, and appreciation for, the boating heritage of New Hampshire’s fresh waterways. 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, Eastern Propane and Oil, Stark Creative, KW Lakes and Mountains, Taylor Community, Belletetes, and North Water Marine.