Every four years the world turns its attention to New Hampshire’s presidential primary. In this small New England state, little-known candidates have moved to center stage while front runners have seen their hopes dashed. As each primary election draws near, the Granite State itself—its people, landscape, cities, and towns—shares the limelight on the first stop of the long road to the presidency. — New Hampshire Historical Society.

On Saturday, February 1 at 2 PM, New Hampshire Humanities speaker, John Gfroerer, will present a brief history of the New Hampshire Presidential Primary, from its origins during the Progressive era of the early twentieth century, through its evolution to the most important step toward being elected President of the United States.

This program will take place in the Wilmot Community Center’s Red Barn, 64 Village Road. next to the post office in Wilmot. Refreshments will be served at 1:30 before the program.

Based on segments of the documentary The Premier Primary, New Hampshire and Presidential Elections, the program will focus on several memorable points such as Senator Muskie crying in front of the Union Leader office and who paid for Ronald Reagan’s microphone. Clips from the documentary are interspersed with discussion about how New Hampshire came to hold this important political event every four years.

John Gfroerer has produced several documentaries about New Hampshire’s political history, including The Premier Primary. He is a documentary producer and owner of Accompany, a video production company based at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord. Gfroerer has produced over 40 documentaries, ranging from profiles of towns along the Maine Coast to a history of the New Hampshire Presidential Primary. His work has been aired on public television stations, The History Channel, and many other venues.

This program is free and open to the public.