Blog: Magical History Tour

August 12, 2019 ExecDir 3000 Views

by GSA Janet Genatt, Indian Head Resort Class of 2016

GSA Deb Hickey and I were so glad to have an opportunity to introduce the Granite State Ambassadors to our beautiful city and its vibrant Main Street which features a variety of restaurants and charming stores.

Keene is the heart of the Monadnock Region and was chosen by the Walldogs, an organization comprised of hundreds of artists from around the world, to be transformed into an art gallery featuring 16 murals depicting local history. Alan Rumrill, the director of the Historical Society of Cheshire County, led us on a tour of the murals and was a most knowledgeable and entertaining guide.

At the conclusion of the tour, the Ambassadors lunched at the Pour House Restaurant located at 45 Central Square. Dorri Masten, the owner, and her staff were so welcoming and friendly and the food was tasty.
We recommend on future visits that the GSAs include a leisurely walk along Lower Main Street which is the core of Keene’s historical district and the home of Keene State College.

The Granite State Ambassadors’ green shirts garnered much attention and even prompted a shout out on Facebook!

FEEDBACK from GSAs:
GSA’s enjoyed a trip to Keene for a tour of the Walldogs murals, followed by a lunch at the Pour House! We lucked out with a sunny morning, and the Executive Director of the Historical Society of Cheshire County gave an excellent informative tour of the history behind each mural. This was followed by delicious meal at the Pour House! Here is what some GSA’s had to say about the trip:

-What an incredible history lesson we received through such a creative medium. The murals are outstanding but it is the history behind them that bring them alive.

-I am very excited for this new piece in tourism and education in the Monadnock Region – what a treasure!

-It is noticed how much work and consideration went into the paintings long before they were actually done and just amazing that they were all done in just a few days with the city’s cooperation.

-My pride and pleasure was quickened as I learned a lot about the murals, history of Keene and enjoyed the company of the GSAs.

-I’m proud to have been one of “the thousand green shirts” walking around Keene.

-I’m proud to be from the Monadnock Region. Wall dogs Murals are a great addition to town.

-The Walldog Mural Tour was so educational and the lunch was a lot of fun. It was a beautiful day ending with a great cup of coffee at Prime Roast. I’ve told friends about the day who are now interested in visiting Keene and touring the murals.

-An amazing tour and the unbelievable Artistry & Talent that went into the Walldog’’s murals. Not only the historical meaning of each mural, but the process the Keene Historical Society had to ensure factual depictions of each. A GSA tour that will long be remembered.

-The Walldog Keene Murals are fabulous! I was blown away by everything that was accomplished by the artists, the town and everyone involved. It is mind boggling to think about everything that went into making this happen. I was disappointed that I was out of town during the festival but so glad I could make this tour and hear all the stories you told. I particularly liked the story about The Abenaki and how they worked with local descendants to get a picture to use.

Lunch at The Pour House: