A traditional twentieth century natural science, local history and art museum that opened in 1916.
The Woodman Museum was founded in 1916 from a trust established by Annie E. Woodman to: “Engage minds. Ignite curiosity. Provoke thought., “Educate, excite, and inspire current and future generations about . . . a changing nation by preserving and exhibiting objects of historic significance, decorative and fine art, and natural science that connect Dover and its citizens to . . . the world.” A visit to the Woodman offers an intimate and personal opportunity for visitors to explore and experience history, natural sciences, and the arts.
On the grounds of the Woodman Museum you will find the oldest Sycamore Tree in Strafford County, a Medicinal & Industrial Garden designed and installed by Strafford County Master Gardeners and a functioning Rain Garden installed several years ago in cooperation with Soak NH, the EPA, NHDES, Strafford County Master Gardeners and other local volunteers.
The four historic houses that make up the campus include:
The Woodman House (1818) holds the Museum’s collection of rocks, minerals, fossils, and taxidermy specimens (animals, aquatic life, birds, and butterflies).
The Damm Garrison House (1675), the oldest house in Dover, contains 800 artifacts from the colonial era.
The John Parker Hale House (1813), aside from telling the story of one of America’s foremost Abolitionists and ally of Abraham Lincoln (and whose daughter, Lucy was engaged to John Wilkes Booth), informs visitors of the socioeconomic history of Dover, primarily from the 19th century mills and textile designs that traveled the world. The Hale House also includes, on its second floor, some primary examples of Portsmouth furniture and related art and artifacts.
The Keefe House (1825) contains our library, where we store our collection of the city records of Dover, as well as the Thom Hindle Art Gallery and our offices.
The Woodman Museum is a tax exempt organization. The total amount of your contribution is tax-deductible except for the fair market value of offered benefits. Our tax ID # is 02-0223356.
In 1915 Mrs. Annie E. Woodman bequeathed the sum of one-hundred thousand dollars for the creation of an institution in Dover to promote the study of local area history, natural history and art.
Woodman House - Natural History & Veteran Memorial Collection
Hale House - Furniture, Art & Local History
Damm Garrison - Authentic Colonial Garrison (c. 1675)
Keefe House - Thom Hindle Art Gallery, Robert A. Whitehouse Library
