Events at the Pierce Manse

---

The Brigade Lecture Series is a monthly lecture series that is free and open to the public. Programs are typically held at 2pm on Wednesdays each month May through October (unless otherwise noted) at the Pierce Manse, 14 Horseshoe Pond Land, Concord, NH. Seating is limited. 

​

Click Here to watch our events LIVE on YouTube!

Presented by Phyllis M. C. Gagnon, Freelance writer, editor, author, Pierce Manse docent, and Brigade Board Member.

Jane Means Appleton Pierce lived in the quiet shadows of her own making. Because of this, what is known about her is often conjecture. Her frail health provided a convenient excuse for her reclusive habits, but her absence from the very public life of her husband led people view her as antisocial. Of course, her family and friends knew that the wife of Franklin Pierce descended from worthy historic figures – town founders, heroes of wars, community and church leaders. But did this legacy of pride and respect, drive Jane to seek the comfort of shadows? 

Presented by Nanette Bulger, Interim Director, Moffitt-Ladd House and Garden Museum

In this presentation, listeners will gain a greater appreciation of more than the historic Moffatt-Ladd House. Using the details about how the structure has evolved over the years, the presentation will convey a more complete story of not only the site, but also, of its residents and the changing culture of the city of Portsmouth. Details about the work that has been done to preserve and restore the Moffatt-Ladd House will also be highlighted.

The Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden, an historic house museum property, has as its mission, education and preservation, and interpreting American, New Hampshire, and Portsmouth history through the lives and possessions of the inhabitants of the house.  

Please check back for details

A graveside wreath laying will commemorate President Franklin Pierce’s 218th birthday in Old North Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire. The wreath is sent annually from the White House and commemorates the president’s date of birth and contributions serving in the country’s highest office. Members of the New Hampshire National Guard and the Pierce Brigade will lay the wreath, present the colors and a salute. Old North Cemetery is located at 141 North State Street in Concord, NH. A reception will follow at the Pierce Manse.

This ceremony coincides with others across the USA remembering the service of all veterans with a Christmas wreath previously placed at each grave.

Volunteers wishing to assist in the placement of wreaths on veteran’s graves are invited to join the Pierce Brigade on Friday, December 13 at 9:30am in Old North Cemetery, which is located at 141 North State Street in Concord, NH.