Press Kit
Relive A Piece Of History, Learn About Weather In Mt. Washington
Those visiting the Mt. Washington Valley can experience a living lesson. Take a step back in time, learn about historic events in Mt. Washington Valley, and even have the chance to experience the effects of "the worst weather in the world" atop Mt. Washington with these FREE interactive exhibits.
Visit the Cog Railway Museum: It's an interpretive museum with lots of historical information and a real cab from a Cog Railway engine, so kids (of all ages) can see what it's like to run the train. Visitors are also welcome to roam the grounds of the Marshfield Base Station freely to observe all the fascinating operations: coal being loaded, water intake, routine mechanical adjustments and safety checks. Directions: From Mt. Washington Valley, take Rt. 302 north to Bretton Woods. Look for signs to the Cog Railway on the right after the Mt. Washington Hotel. Learn about the signing of the Bretton Arms agreement at the Mount Washington Hotel and tour one of New Hampshire's Grand Hotels: Complimentary historical tours are offered twice a day (9 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and visitors are welcome to wander around the public areas of the hotel to view historical photos and displays, the famous Gold Room, where all the final documents were signed in 1944 to establish the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, or to enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Washington from the 900-foot wraparound veranda. Regular musical performances, lectures and culinary demonstrations are always open to the public at no charge, simply call 1-603-278-1000 for a schedule. Directions: From Mt. Washington Valley, take Rt. 302 north to Bretton Woods. Look for the bright red roof.
Russell-Colbath House: The Russell-Colbath House was built in 1831 by Thomas Russell and his son, and is the only remaining 19th century farmstead in Passaconaway (also called The Albany Intervale). The name refers to Ruth Colbath who in 1891 was told by her husband, Thomas, that he would be going out "for awhile". He didn't return until 42 years later, 3 years after her death. Every night during his absence Ruth put a candle in the window to welcome him home. The house remains intact, with furniture of the period and a garden. The house is open for touring 9:00am – 4:30pm daily July through Columbus Day. Directions: The house is 13 miles west of Route 16 in Conway on the Kancamagus Hwy, Route 112.
Mt. Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center: Anyone with an interest in weather will be drawn to the Weather Discovery Center. With a number of interactive displays and exhibits, visitors will learn all about the effects of wind, extreme temperatures, and the complexity of the atmosphere and weather. At the NOAA Weather Wall, you can view severe tornadoes, and learn about the tools that NOAA weather forecasters use. The Weather Discovery Center is free open daily from 10am to 5pm. Directions: Located on Route 16, just north of North Conway Village.
Visit the state's largest painted mural at Heritage-New Hampshire: One of the most beautiful graphic depictions of New Hampshire history is found on the 120' long, 16' high mural located on the exterior of Heritage-New Hampshire. It shows 300 years of New Hampshire history from the first contact between European settlers and Native Americans, through colonial times, the Industrial Revolution and on through the beginning of this region's ski history. Hidden within the mural are the faces of 20 people who were influential in the state's history. There is no charge to view the mural. There is an admission fee to Heritage-New Hampshire. Directions: Heritage New Hampshire is on Route 16 in Glen.