Jaffrey Meetinghouse

New Hampshire


Built in 1775, this striking white building doubled as a church and a community meeting hall until the mid-1800s. It was later used for town business, until 1914. Although it's not open to the public during the day, you can check out the interior during lectures, concerts and the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

According to lore, the building was completed on June 17, the same day as the Battle of Bunker Hill. They say the battle's cannon fire could be heard from the town common.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby New Hampshire attractions

1. Old Burying Ground

0.03 MILES

For a deeper look at Jaffrey history, wander the cemetery behind the meetinghouse. Willa Cather, a frequent area visitor who wrote portions of her novels…

2. Melville Academy Museum

0.08 MILES

Housed in Jaffrey's first high school, which opened in 1833, this museum spotlights local luminaries like novelist Willa Cather. You'll also find a…

3. Mt Monadnock State Park

1.94 MILES

Visible from 50 miles in any direction, the commanding 3165ft peak of Mt Monadnock is southwestern New Hampshire’s spiritual vortex. The surrounding state…

4. Mariposa Museum

6.37 MILES

This museum, which exhibits folk art and folklore from around the world, implores visitors to 'please touch.' It's a wonderful place for kids, who are…

5. Rhododendron State Park

7.52 MILES

The 16-acre rhododendron grove in this serene park is the largest in New England. It makes for a nice stroll in mid-July, when thick stands of the giant…

6. Monadnock Berries

8.16 MILES

Pick-your-own places are one of the great joys of any summer visit to New Hampshire, and this pretty farm has everything you could wish for: sun-warmed…

7. Miller State Park

8.71 MILES

New Hampshire's oldest state park, Miller revolves around Pack Monadnock, a 2290ft peak not to be confused with its better-known neighbor, Mt Monadnock…

8. Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery

13.2 MILES

Housed at Keene State College, the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery plays a crucial role in supporting the arts in this rural region. Its spacious sky-lit…