A trustee since 2005, Alton resident Jeannie Lewis has retired from the Board of the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM). A retired teacher who served on the Board with her husband, who passed away two years ago, Lewis said NHBM’s mission attracted them both.
“We liked boating and the history of the boats, but we also liked the idea of working to keep the lake healthy and providing a source of entertainment and enrichment to the area,” she said.
She said she also appreciated NHBM’s emphasis on getting kids involved in programming, which she cited as key to sustaining its operation. “The museum provides education in its programs, but they are also fun, interactive, and lively,” she said. “We want kids to become aware of the lake, the import of taking care of the lake, boating safety, and to learn about boating.”
According to Lewis, highlights of her time at NHBM included involvement with the Boathouse Tour, which provides people with the opportunity to visit historic and new boathouses on Lake Winnipesaukee. Other activities in which both she and her husband became involved ranged from a kid’s camp and Capital Campaign to sailing programs, Alton Bay Boat Show, and Vintage Race Boat Regatta.
“We were involved in boat building, too,” she said. “We saw a lot of situations where kids had life changing experiences through building a boat, launching it, and taking it home…Boat building builds confidence and sense of achievement for kids.”
Though retired from the Board, Lewis plans to remain involved as an advisor for some time while continuing as editor of NHBM’s Boathouse News and a member of their education committee. “I am also involved with the Loon Preservation Society in Wolfeboro,” she said. “I try to stay as active as I can.”
When not volunteering her time, Lewis said she can be found with family. “I have a wonderful house on the lake,” she said. “Even though I am alone and it is a lot of work to keep, I want to do the work so that my family can enjoy the river, lake, mountains, and the nature of New Hampshire.”
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM is committed to inspire people of all ages with an understanding of, and appreciation for, the boating heritage of New Hampshire’s fresh waterways. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Goodhue Boat Company, Eastern Propane and Oil, Stark Creative, KW Lakes and Mountains, and FL Putnam.