The Mark Connolly Distinguished Speaker Series

The Mark Connolly Distinguished Speaker Series honors the legacy of Mark Connolly, a former Strawbery Banke Museum Trustee and prominent figure in finance, literature, and politics. In April 2019, following his passing, the Museum embarked on a mission to commemorate Connolly's memory and continue his dedication to intellectual discourse and civic engagement.

Connolly’s varied career, including roles as Director of the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities, an accomplished author, and a Democratic candidate for Governor, exemplified his unwavering commitment to public service and belief in the transformative power of education and dialogue.

Inspired by Connolly’s enduring spirit, Strawbery Banke initiated the distinguished lecture series to provide a platform for leading national speakers to explore a wide range of topics, from history and art to politics and current events. The Mark Connolly Distinguished Speakers Series aims to spark thought-provoking discussions and nurture intellectual curiosity within the community, ensuring that Connolly's legacy of civic responsibility and the pursuit of knowledge continues to inspire future generations.

Past Lectures

  • Pleasure Gardens of the Colonial Revival - A Look at New England Colonial Revival Gardens

    Thursday, June 13, 2024, 6-7 PM

    Lucinda Brockway, Managing Director of Cultural Resources at The Trustees, illuminates the early 1900s Colonial Revival gardens of the Piscataqua River basin in this lecture.

  • Tuneful Treasures - Discovering Musical Instruments in American Collections

    Thursday, July 25, 2024, 6-7 PM

    Join Darcy Kuronen, the former Curator of Musical Instruments at the Museum of Fine Arts, for a presentation drawing on his extensive career working with historical instruments across American collections, including those at Strawbery Banke.

  • When the Lions Write History

    Thursday, September 26, 2024, 6-7 PM

    Join Dr. Noelle Trent, president & CEO of the Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket, for a thought-provoking and informative lecture that combines her passion for history with her professional expertise to craft empowering experiences about Black history.

  • Algonquian Continuance and Community

    Thursday, November 7, 2024, 6-7 PM

    Returning by popular demand, join Jesse Bowman Bruchac for “Algonquian Continuance and Community,” culminating his 30-year dedication to Algonquian language reclamation.