Message from the Chair of the Board of Trustees:
Exeter Historical Society – A Year in Review
As 2026 unfolds, we are proud to take part in commemorating Exeter’s vital role as New Hampshire’s Revolutionary capital. This milestone year is not only a celebration of our shared history, but also a reflection of the steady progress and thoughtful stewardship that sustains our mission.
This past year brought meaningful improvements to the care of our growing collection. We completed the installation of movable shelving and enhanced our storage spaces with UV protection on all windows—important investments in preservation. This effort required a true team approach, as collections were carefully relocated, reorganized, and thoughtfully arranged to ensure both protection and room for future growth. This year, we formed a Facilities Oversight Committee to help guide and prioritize building improvements. We are especially appreciative of our strong partnership with the Town of Exeter, whose collaboration has been instrumental in caring for and enhancing this shared historic space.
Our Co-Executive Directors, Laura Martin and Barbara Rimkunas, continue to lead with dedication and expertise. Their work across development, programming, accessions, education, and outreach is essential to our success. Laura’s engaging communications keep our members informed and connected, while Barbara’s deep knowledge serves not only the Society but the broader community, including her contributions to Exeter’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The Board remains committed to its fiduciary responsibilities, prioritizing investment in our staff, preservation and digitization of collections, and high-quality educational programming. Our financial position is strong, supported by careful planning and a collaborative Board. This year, our Governance Committee strengthened oversight by refining the governance calendar to ensure ongoing review, accountability, and continued learning. Expanding the Board to our maximum number has been achieved and new officers have stepped up.
Events continue to be a vibrant way we connect with the community. From our popular trivia night with a seasonal twist, to community partnership evenings with local restaurants, to engaging exhibits like “Greetings from Exeter,” we are proud to share history in ways that are both meaningful and accessible. Work is also underway to revitalize our lower-level gallery, where we look forward to highlighting Exeter’s businesses, the Exeter Brass Band, and more.
The impact of the Historical Society is made possible by the generosity of our volunteers and community members who give their time and talents so freely. Their contributions are invaluable and deeply appreciated.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our Treasurer of nine years, Julie Avant, whose steady leadership helped guide the Society toward a more secure financial future. We also thank our Senior Student Trustees, Madeline Roger and Owen Wagner, for their energy and leadership. Their efforts to engage younger audiences and strengthen connections with local schools have made a lasting impact.
With nearly 300 member households and the support of 60 donors, our community continues to be the cornerstone of our success. Your commitment ensures that the Exeter Historical Society remains a vibrant and sustainable resource for generations to come.
We hope to see many of you as well as new friends at the Sweet Liberty Soirée at Fort Rock Farm on July 11.
Thank you for your continued support.
Vicki Geis
Board Chair, Exeter Historical Society
Treasurer’s Report
January 1 - December 31, 2025
Exeter Historical Society financial statements as of December 31, 2025, report cash and cash equivalents of $39,542, Accounts Receivable of $500, net fixed assets of $277, and investments of $618,547, for total assets of $658,866 . Liabilities and net assets include liabilities of $500 and net assets of $558,366 for total liabilities and net assets of $658,886. The change in net assets for 2025 is $110,135 which consists of $269,563 of revenue (which includes $30,450 in grants, $30,00 of special donations, $1,371 endowment gifts and investment income of $35,906) and $159,401 of operating expense.
View the 2025 Financials here.
Submitted by Julie Avant, Treasurer
Secretary’s Report
Annual Meeting, May 6, 2025
View the 2025 Annual Meeting minutes here.
Minutes submitted by Brian Smalley, Secretary
Thanks to our 2025-26 Volunteers:
Bookkeeping
Pam Conary
Collections & Research
Richard Cole
Jackie Gendron
Pam Gjettum
Vicki Lucas
Development & Membership
Laura Barone
Christine Coronis
Rick Mahoney
Social Media
Caroline Tango
Student Volunteers
Exeter High School Rho Kappa
Events
Mary Cady
Jaye Carr
Becky Dillman
Exeter TV
Janice Page
Andrea Richards
Susan Riley
Mary Tegel
Julie Traverse
Exhibits
Mary Cady
Roger Cady
Eric Cady
Chrissy Cady
Zach Diamond
Jim Mills
John Toomey
A note about the timeframe of our reports:
The Society observes the calendar year as our fiscal year,
but we hold our annual meeting in May, at the end of our program year.
Based on our Program Year (May 2025-April 2026):
our Chair’s message, 2025 Annual Meeting minutes, and list of volunteers
Based on our Fiscal Year (January - December 2025):
our Treasurer’s and Co-Executive Directors’ reports, as well as our list of $100+ members and donors
We apologize for any confusion caused by this distinction.
co-executive director/
Curator’s Message:
Sharing our history is my primary role for the Society. Tending and maintaining our collections ensures that visiting researchers – be they elementary school students, professional writers, genealogists, or PhD candidates – all have access to the materials. Alongside my work preserving collections, I also use them to produce educational and (I hope) entertaining articles, video scripts and presentations to bring Exeter’s history to the general public. This year we were able to update the archives with rolling shelving through a grant from the Biber Foundation and a donation from Riverwoods of Exeter. This has expanded our storge capabilities for the future. Another generous donation allowed us to update UV protection on the windows in the building. 2026 celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Historical Society is part of the 250 celebrations commission in Exeter. It is my responsibility to run the day-to-day operations of the Society headquarters. Meeting the inquisitive people who love the town’s history as much as me is the greatest joy of my job. In particular, our trivia night, which allows me to serve as the trivia master, is an annual thrill.
submitted by Barbara Rimkunas
Co-Executive Director/
Program Manager’s message:
My primary roles are programming, marketing, and development, with the aim to both share Exeter's history and to make sure that it will be available and accessible to future generations. I work with our Program Committee to plan the programs for each season – September through May – and with the Development Committee to raise funds to keep the Society functioning and financially healthy. Also, I manage our publicity and marketing by frequently updating our website and regularly posting on social media; this past year, I received significant assistance with our social media from a new volunteer, Caroline Tango, who also introduced the Society to TikTok. In 2025, I again worked with our Program Committee, the NH Humanities, Exeter TV, and our talented speakers to bring eight programs to the Exeter Town Hall and Zoom. I filmed, produced, and marketed our 11 Exeter History Minutes and, as I'm writing this, we've just filmed our 160th episode. My hope is that through this behind-the-scenes work, I make people aware of what the historical society has to offer and make it easier for our members and donors to support the collection, preservation, and sharing of Exeter's history.
submitted by Laura Martin
