Deering Historical Society

05/25/2026

04/24/2026

🌾🎨 Save the Date: Deering’s 2nd Annual Farmers Market & Craft Fair!
We’re excited to welcome neighbors, farmers, makers, and friends back for a day celebrating Deering’s creativity and agricultural roots.
🗓 May 30, 2026
📍 Deering Fish and Game, West Deering, NH
⏰ 9 am – 2 pm
Join us for fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and community fun.

04/18/2026

Remembering Ebenezer Locke: A Piece of Deering’s Revolutionary Story
Today we’re highlighting Ebenezer Locke (1735–1816)—a name woven deeply into both Deering’s history and the early story of American independence.
Born in Woburn, Massachusetts, Locke later settled in what is now East Deering. He fought at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, and for generations a local tradition held that he may have been the one who “fired the first gun” at Lexington—the shot that Ralph Waldo Emerson later immortalized as “the shot heard round the world.”
While historians still debate who truly fired first, there’s no question that Ebenezer Locke stood among the earliest patriots to answer the alarm that morning. A deposition from his cousin Amos Locke recounts that Ebenezer returned fire after seeing a fellow militiaman shot—placing him at the very heart of the opening moments of the Revolution.
Ebenezer eventually made his home here in Deering, where he lived out the rest of his life. His grave in the Old Revolutionary War Cemetery on Goodale Road has long been a place of local remembrance. For decades, Deering residents marched there each Fourth of July to honor him—his was the only grave consistently decorated with a flag.
As we reflect on our town’s history, Ebenezer Locke reminds us that the American story isn’t just found in textbooks—it’s right here in our back roads, our old cemeteries, and the lives of the people who came before us.
If you’ve visited the cemetery or have stories passed down about Ebenezer Locke, feel free to share them below!

03/20/2026

🧵 New Release from the Deering Historical Society! 🧵
We’re thrilled to share something truly special from our archives — a coloring‑book version of the Deering Community Quilt (circa 1986)!
This hand‑drawn interpretation turns each quilt square into a page you can color, explore, and make your own. It’s a playful way to reconnect with the people, places, and stories that shaped Deering nearly forty years ago.
Whether you remember the original quilt or you’re discovering it for the first time, this coloring book invites all ages to join in. Add your colors, share your creations, and help keep our community’s history vibrant.
✨ View, download, and enjoy the coloring pages:
DeeringHistoricalSociety.org

01/26/2026

This year, the Town’s Annual Report celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Deering Historical Community Quilt. The cover displays the central figure from the quilt, Ebenezer Locke—a significant local historical figure believed to have fired the first shot that initiated the American Revolution. As our Nation marks its 250th anniversary, it is especially appropriate to recognize Ebenezer Locke’s contributions.

All Deering children and even grandchildren of Deering residents, through grade school age, are invited to participate in a coloring activity using the report cover attached. Completed entries must be returned to the Town Hall or arrangements for delivery can be made by contacting: [email protected] ( or contact any one of the Selectmen you may know. )

The submission deadline is February 10th. One entry will be selected for use on the cover; with parental permission, the selected artist will receive recognition at the Town Meeting, scheduled for Saturday, March 14.

All other submissions will be displayed in the Town Hall lobby for the remainder of the month, with honorable mentions awarded to participants.

More information on E. Locke attached and to be found under the resource page marked historical documents.

Please pass this on to other residents especially those with children!

Thank you for your support and participation.

12/13/2025

A picture from last night's Colonial Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling Event.

Historical Society Board members dressed in colonial attire serving wassail, mincemeat and assorted breads and cookies to all in attendance.

Much has been done since our first year hosting this event in 2023! Walls have been repaired and lighting fixtures have been added. Colonial Builders from here in Deering did a fantastic job with the repairs to doors and walls and even generously donated period lighting fixtures.

If you froze your toes off last year, you will be happy to hear that we were able to host the event inside this year! Gas heating units from Colonial Builders really took the chill out and allowed our neighbors and musicians from the Wilds to perform and lead us all in a variety of popular carols.

A big thank you to all of you for supporting us and participating in our community events. We wish you peace, joy and good health this Holiday Season and look forward to seeing you at our next community gathering.

12/02/2025

https://d7979b10-9bb7-42f9-a0cf-b0186b8ee8cd.filesusr.com/ugd/bfb89d_e85a5aeb97cc4dc291603e7f5bdf81c2.pdf

03/17/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgZyxWohw4Q

Just posted! Last year Tommy C. gave a presentation on Silver at our Town Library, hosted by the Library Trustees. Enjoy!

Tommy Copadis Presentaion on Silver at the Deering Library on 8/4/2024