In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Office of Mayor Chuck Grassie is supporting a special educational program designed to prepare potential mentors in the colonial history of Rochester, New Hampshire.

This week-long seminar series will be led by historian Patrick O. Connelly, a noted expert on Rochester history before 1800. Intended for anyone interested in the colonial era, the program offers an opportunity to deepen your knowledge, work with original records, and help build a well-informed community of mentors.

Held Monday through Friday, July 20–24, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Conference Room 2 at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center, each evening will explore Rochester’s colonial history through original town records, historical transcriptions, maps, and other reference materials that place events within the context of their time. The pace of each session will be guided by participants’ questions and overall comprehension.

Topics will include:

  • Introduction to the Territory and Early Town of Rochester
  • Indigenous Abenaki History in the Territory of Rochester
  • Grants Made by the Massachusetts Bay Colony Above Dover Headline
  • Mast and Timber Natural Resources of the Territory Later Rochester
  • Forming the Town, Part I (1722)
  • Forming the Town, Part II (1725–1735)
  • Proprietors – Investors in the New Frontier Town of Rochester
  • Capt. John Mason – Absentee Founder of New Hampshire
  • Catalyst for Discontent in Province and Town

Participants will:

  • Learn how to read and interpret original colonial town records.
  • Gain a broader understanding of these records within the history of the Province of New Hampshire through published transcriptions.
  • Examine how early views of the Rochester area helped spark interest in the region.
  • Use research experience to develop and share effective mentoring practices.
  • Join thoughtful discussions on topics of interest to participants.
  • Help establish a dedicated group of mentors committed to expanding knowledge of Rochester’s colonial period.

Participants will receive explanatory materials and handouts throughout the program, which also serve as note pages. There is no fee to attend beyond the commitment of time and participation. Many of the resources presented during the sessions have not previously been available for public viewing.

The two-volume history referenced during the seminar may be reviewed in advance at the Rochester Public Library. Personal copies are also available for purchase through the New Hampshire Farm Museum in Milton, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the museum, or through Amazon by searching for author Patrick O. Connelly.

To sign up, please contact Patrick O. Connelly at poconnelly@rnhcc.com. Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance so sufficient handouts can be prepared. Attendees are encouraged to participate in all sessions, but each evening covers a separate topic and may also be attended individually.