Exhibit Puts Manchester’s Revolutionary War Roots Under The Spotlight

Before it was Manchester, it was Derryfield—and a new exhibit at the Millyard Museum brings that chapter of the city’s past to life. “Reflections of the Revolution, the Derryfield Perspective” is now open and runs through the end of the year, offering visitors of all ages an immersive look at Manchester’s role in the American Revolution.

The exhibit takes its name from Derryfield, the original name of what is now Manchester. It centers on John Stark, the prominent Revolutionary War figure with deep ties to the area, and traces the community’s contributions to the fight for American independence through artifacts, interactive displays, and firsthand historical detail.

Among the exhibit’s highlights is an interactive battle map that allows visitors to follow the movements and strategies of the Revolutionary War era. One artifact highlight is a flask that belonged to a Hessian soldier who fought at the Battle of Bennington —a rare object that offers a striking glimpse into the conflict from multiple perspectives.

“It’s easy to think of the Revolution as something that happened in Boston or Philadelphia,” said Jeff Barraclough, Executive Director of the Millyard Museum. “John Stark, though, grew up in Derryfield, and so did the neighbors who marched alongside him. This exhibit lets visitors stand close enough to that history to see a souvenir a soldier carried home from the battlefield.”

The exhibit also features hands-on activities designed specifically for younger visitors, making “Reflections of the Revolution” a destination for families exploring New Hampshire’s history together. The exhibit is on display in the museum’s exhibit gallery.

Open Tue – Sat, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Millyard Museum is operated by the Manchester Historic Association, a nonprofit dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Manchester, New Hampshire