Peterborough New Hampshire
Peterborough United Methodist Church has been a vital part of the town and history of Peterborough, NH for many decades. We are deeply rooted in our history as United Methodists and are a committed community-oriented church. We believe that we are called to be a light to our community, state, region, nation, and world. Our church was founded in 1840 in Peterborough, NH. We have a rich and varied history rooted in the old time Methodist circuit riders and the revivals of the 1800’s.
We are located in a beautiful and historic community located in southwestern NH in the heart of the Monadnock region and can be easily accessed from State Route 101 and US Route 202.
The rural area of Peterborough has been the location since its creation in 1907 of The MacDowell Colony, founded in 1907 by Marian MacDowell, wife of composer Edward MacDowell. Many famous works of art have been produced here.
Peterborough was the model for the play Our Town by playwright Thornton Wilder while in residence at the MacDowell Colony.
The town features an institution it calls “First Friday”, a group of free events described as a “festive community celebration” on the first Friday of each month.
In May of every year, Peterborough holds its annual Children and the Arts Day festival. The festival is a chance for local students, ranging in age from preschool to high school and beyond, to exhibit their artistic and creative talents. The celebration lasts all day and consists of the traditional Giant Puppet Parade, as well as the rubber duck race, which goes to benefit local charities. There are also many other activities, including concerts, dancing, and an international food court.
The Peterborough Town Library is the oldest free library in the United States. It was founded in 1833.
The Moses Cheney house in Peterborough served as a stop on the Underground Railroad in the mid 1800s, and Frederick Douglass stayed at the home. Moses’ son Oren B. Cheney founded Bates College in 1855, and his son Person C. Cheney was a U.S. Senator.
The Peterborough Players puts on 6 plays every summer, employing such renowned actors as James Whitmore. In the 2005 season, they performed many outstanding plays such as Grace and Glorie and Little Women.
The River Center is a family and community resource center
Depot Square
Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
The Monadnock Center
Monadnock Travel Council
Town of Peterborough
