History

The Biggest Wind | New England’s Gifts

In New England there’s cold and then there’s “braggin’ cold,” and those who live in the North Country know what that difference feels like. But there’s one particular kind of person who knows all about “braggin’ wind”: the weather observers who live and work on the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Their […]

Magazine

Annie Smith Peck | New England’s Gifts

Feisty Annie Smith Peck conquered the world’s highest peaks —and horrified her Rhode Island relatives in the process. Born into a traditional New England family in 1850—her father was a lawyer and businessman, her mother a direct descendant of Roger Williams—she mortified her parents when she vowed she would develop the strength and stamina to […]

Magazine

Dr. Seuss | New England’s Gifts

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Dr. Seuss (also known as Theodor S. Geisel) wrote and illustrated children’s books that sold more than 200 million copies in some 20 languages. Probably no other American has been so totally subsumed by an alter ego as Theodor S. Geisel, born on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. To the […]

New England

Peak Color Fading Throughout Most Of New England

On Tuesday evening, shortly after sunset, I watched the full Hunter’s Moon rise above a gently rolling field in northern New England. The trees along the forest edge had already been stripped of their leaves, and their silhouettes were strong and spooky against the moonlight.  Considering that Halloween is somehow already upon us, the timing […]

Magazine

Christa McAuliffe | New England’s Gifts

Before Christa McAuliffe was selected to be the first teacher in space aboard the Challenger, capturing the country’s hearts and imaginations, she was a popular social-studies teacher at Concord High School. When she became a hometown hero, a young reporter, Bob Hohler, was assigned to follow her journey for the Concord Monitor. He filed more […]

Magazine

Granny D’s Mission | New England’s Gifts

When she was 88, Doris Haddock — affectionately known as Granny D — said she’d walk across the country to call attention to campaign-finance reform. What followed would inspire an entire community, and beyond. When she was 88 and a great-grand-mother, Doris Haddock, who lived in Dublin, New Hampshire, said she’d walk across the country […]

Magazine

The Most Beautiful Fall Color in the World | New England’s Gifts

The slow fire spreads from the blazing maples to the gold of the birches on our high slopes. The threat of winter is not yet upon the land, but rather a sense of awakening from the sultry bondage of summer—and the Red Gods call. The smell of burning leaves in the still dusk, the bells […]

Yankee

Sanctuary for Desperate People in Boats | New England’s Gifts

Gruesome images today of refugees, fleeing poverty and war in North Africa and the Middle East, only to drown in Mediterranean waters, are arousing horror and sympathy around the world. European governments are faced with painful decisions: How many can they take in without being overwhelmed? The crisis is a reminder that New England has […]

Travel

Scenic Filming Locations | New England’s Gifts

In New England, Hollywood producers have found mountains, lakes, lighthouses, small towns and fishing villages, beaches, rockbound cliffs overlooking ocean, opulent mansions, Ivy League colleges, and iconic Colonial architecture all waiting in one compact region. New England has always been ready for its closeup. Imagine a darkened movie theater anywhere in the world. The movie […]

Connecticut

Fall Doors of Connecticut | Seasonal Entryways

Fall is in the air…and on our doorsteps! To help celebrate the season, we asked one of our favorite New England Instagrammers, Connecticut-based Deb Cohen (@thefrontdoorproject), to share a sampling of Connecticut fall doors showing their best autumn style. Which is your favorite? More from Deb Cohen & The Front Door Project:Holiday Doors of Connecticut […]

New England

Southern New England Peaking While Leaves Fall Up North

The change was abrupt. A cold front rushed through New England and temperatures dropped, as rain, and then snow, began to fall. After a generally warmer-than-normal autumn, it was rather shocking to be reminded that sometimes in New England, autumn means pulling out the winter hat and gloves! By Sunday morning, skies had cleared, but temperatures all across […]

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