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Chairs: Andrea Melville, producer of the Shoals historical documentary An Island Kingdom and Ann Beattie, Shoals historian and past-president of ISHRA. Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Explore the fascinating work of Shoals artists, writers and musicians from by-gone eras. Recreate the days when famous writers, musicians and artists gathered in the parlor of Shoals poet Celia Thaxter. Step into the scenes of artist Childe Hassamís work on an optional trip to Appledore Island. Delve into the architecture of the fishing and resort village of Gosport on Star Island and experience the cuisine of the Shoals resort hotels firsthand. Engage in some craftsmanship of your own at our Victorian era seaweed-pressing and watercolor illustration workshops. View the PBS historical Shoals documentary An Island Kingdom and meet the producer.

Planned Events:

Special Performance! Isles of Shoals: the Eternal Sound of the Sea: Enjoy a riveting performance of this play presented by the Pontine Theater and starring by Marguerite Matthews & Greg Gathers. Witness the 19th century meeting between Celia Thaxter and Nathaniel Hawthorne and learn about the creative process that went into this production.

Architectural Tour of the Village of Gosport: Take an intriguing tour of the charming 19th century buildings of Star Island with architectural designer and university lecturer Robert Cook. Learn about the people who lived and worked in those buildings from Star Island museum curator and ISHRA vice-president Sarah O’Connor.

Artists of the Isles of Shoals: Delve into the work of artists like Childe Hassam, J. Appleton Brown, Ross Sterling Turner and the DeHass brothers with artist and Banks Gallery owner Jamie LaFleur. Learn of the artists painting on the Shoals today and determine why the Isles present an endless source of artistic inspiration.

Writers, Musicians and Artists of the Shoals: Explore the lives and work of the famous visitors to Celia Thaxterís salon on Appledore Island. Discover how they collaborated to produce some of their finest work with Shoals historian Ann Beattie.

Seaweed Pressing of the Victorian Age: Discover anew this pastime that swept the seacoasts of the Western world in the Victorian era and create your own pressed seaweed masterpiece with phycologist and artist Amy Cook.

Poetical Watercolor Illustration: Peruse poet Celia Thaxterís flower and marine watercolor illustrations of her work at the Star Island museum and create your own illustrations of her poetry with artist and designer Gretchen Gudefin.

Digital Photography at the Isles of Shoals: Learn creative composition techniques to create enhanced depth perception and balance in your digital photographs. Tour idyllic island scenes with photographer Arnie Silverstone and practice your newly acquired composition techniques.

An Island Kingdom: Watch the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary that illustrates the 400-year history of the Isles of Shoals and meet with the producer, Andrea Melville, to discuss the fascinating creation of the program.

Childe Hassam’s Appledore Tour: Step into the scenes of artist Childe Hassam’s work on this optional trip to Appledore Island ($22 per person.) Compare and contrast the landscapes today with those of Hassam’s time.

Cuisine of the Grand Shoals Resort Hotels: Marvel at the menus from the dining rooms of the Oceanic and Appledore House resort hotels. Enjoy the creation of a salt cod dish from the 1872 cookbook of Miss Parloa, the pastry cook of Appledore House.

Celia Thaxter’s Parlor: Listen to the sounds of the music that rang through Celia Thaxter’s cottage when the famous musicians of her time played the piano in her parlor. Recreate the poetry readings performed by writers such as John Greenleaf Whittier and Celia herself.

Historical Tour of Star Island: Investigate the fishing and resort eras of Gosport and learn about the natural and cultural wonders of todayís Isles. Examine the lore and legends of the Shoals and determine the truth behind stories of pirates, treasure, ghosts and murder.

Historic Chapel Services: Join the candlelit procession to the centuries-old stone chapel on Star Island and step back in time to experience the sense of community on this hauntingly beautiful island.

Registration Fee: $90/person for members, $100/person for non-members (includes 1 year membership)

Registrar: Amy Cook, 78 Bedford St., #5, Manchester, NH 03101, (603) 440-8010, email hidden; JavaScript is required

How to Register