Lake Winnipesaukee Museum

Here at the museum, and in greater part, the historical society, we are dedicated to preserving the history of Lake Winnipesaukee and the towns that circle its shores

History of the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum

The Museum's property is itself an historic landmark and represents an era which changed the way Americans spent their summer vacations --- an example of the tradition of hospitality vital to the area's history and economy since the 1800's.

The property was purchased in 1923 by David O'Shan, a lifelong resident and long-time state legislator, who first had a poultry farm on the site. In the 1930's, he developed the property into a cabin colony - the second one built in Laconia - as a place for visitors to stay while in the area. "Mr. Veteran," as he was known, named the cabin colony the "Y.D. Cabins" after the "Yankee Division" of the Army in which he served during World War I.

The Museum building is the original residence and the yellow cottages nearby are part of the original cabin colony. One of the buildings is from the former Shangrila Resort.

The Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society purchased the property in 1999 and spent five years developing and renovating the site. The Museum opened on a part-time basis in June 2004 and is now open.

Be sure to stop by and visit us soon!

About Us

To preserve and promote the history and heritage of Lake Winnipesaukee.

The Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promote and preserve the history and heritage of Lake Winnipesaukee and vicinity.

The Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society fulfills this mission in large part through the summer hours at the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum. See the pertinent sections on this web site for details on hours, directions, exhibits and events.

For your use, historical information is organized at the Museum by topic in easily accessible binders. Historical inquiries can be researched by Museum staff by using these files, our collections and many contacts in the area, while referrals to other historical societies, museums or organizations are provided when appropriate.

Bob Lawton and son, Tim, founded the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society in 1985, after years of living on and scuba diving in the lake, with the goal of opening a facility dedicated to the rich history of Lake Winnipesaukee. This goal was realized in June 2004 when the Museum opened.

We are presently raising money to fund an expansion in order to provide more exhibition space. A timber frame barn-like addition of approximately 3,000 square feet is being designed by Christopher P. Williams Architects and will be added on to the present structure where presently exists an old garage/storage area.

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