Freedom Historical Society

Summer Camps of Freedom: Then. Now. Always.

There is no place like Freedom, NH!  Take a quiet walk through Freedom Village or stand beside Ossipee Lake on a warm summer evening, and you can feel it - the shared rhythm of camp life and the deep, enduring roots of our shared legacy.  For more than a century, summers in Freedom have been shaped by the laughter of children, the glow of camp fires, the closing of the day with the soft notes of the bugle, and the haunting calls of loons across the water.  Since the 1890's youth camps have helped define our town.  Today, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve that legacy and we need your support.

A Legacy Woven into Our Landscape:  Since the late 1800's the New Hampshire Lakes Region has been a birthplace of organized summer camps.  Our research has identified 21 camps that have called Freedom home - 5 are still active today and 16 live on in memory.  These camps are more than recreational spaces - they are foundational to our community.  Our goal over the next year is to uncover additional early camps that operated from 1900-1950.  

                      The Summer Camps have:  • Shaped young lives through independence and friendship.

                                                                     • Connected generations through shared experiences.

                                                                     • Preserved hundreds of acres of natural land.

From the Somerville Lions Club offering free summers to underpriviledged boys at Camp Copithorne on Danforth Pond to Camp Capescapes on Shaw Pond creating a haven for autistic and non-verbal children to family-run traditions like Cragged Mountain Farm - these stories define who we are.  Today, that legacy continues through Camp Calumet, Camp Cody, Camp Huckins, Camp Luethi-Peterson, and Camp Robinhood.  Over 30,000 lives have been touched by the Freedom "camp" experience.  And for more than 400 Freedom residents, camp was their first introduction to this town we call home. 

We must tell this Story Before it Fades:  Many artifacts and documents are fragile.  Many stories remain untold.  If we don't act, now we risk loosing them forever.  Over the next two years. The Freedom Historical Society will create a dynamic, immersive interactive exhibit that goes far beyond traditional displays.  This exhibit won't just show history - it will bring this special Freedom history to life.

                                                Imagine:        • Hearing the echoes of camp songs

                                                                        • Exploring maps, photos, and interactive exhibits

                                                                        • Listening to stories and folklore from campers and counselors

                                                                        • Experiencing the spirit of summer in Freedom

Become a Keeper of Freedom's History: During the 2026 NH Gives Campaign, we invite you to share your love for Freedom by becoming a Keeper of Freedom's History.  And together, we can ensure these stories are never lost to time.  Your donation will directly support the research, development, and outreach for the upcoming exhibit: Summer Camps of Freedom and the ongoing preservation of this history.  We want to keep community pride and spirit in freedom for a very long time!

Help Us keep the Story Alive and Preserve Freedom's Legacy: Gives Campaign is $15,000 including a generous $5,000 matching gift once we receive $10,000.

Every gift will matter.  Take a moment to:   Make a donation

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Who We Are:  The Freedom Historical Society is a 61 year old educational non-profit representing 265 members, 70 volunteers, and 500 annual visitors working together to keep our history alive.  Our purpose is to collect, research, preserve, and display objects and records relating to the town's history for the education of current and future generations. The Society fosters and inspires awareness and appreciation of the town's past through cultural and educational exhibits, programs and publications.

Freedom, NH is a special place.  Help us preserve its history-- for the next generation.