PLYMOUTH, NH (May 17, 2019) – The Museum of the White Mountains at Plymouth State University (PSU) marked the opening of its new exhibit today. “The Grand Hotels of the White Mountains” explores the origins, development, and history of New Hampshire’s grand resort hotels through paintings, photographs, artifacts, and stories of the people who visited and worked at these gracious establishments.
Special focus for the exhibition is the four surviving hotels: the Omni Mount Washington Resort, Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club, and The Wentworth Hotel.
“Last summer we celebrated the White Mountain National Forest, and this year we are thrilled to bring to life the rich history of the grand hotels that sprung up throughout the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, drawing the nation’s wealthiest families to New Hampshire,” said Cynthia Robinson, Director of the Museum of the White Mountains. “Entering the exhibit, one is transported to another time, and can experience the ‘grand hotel’ through the eyes of a guest, or perhaps a hotel worker, while learning the history of the grand hotel period and its significance to our state.”
Co-curated by Robinson and Bryant Tolles, The Grand Hotels of the White Mountains exhibit will also feature a speaker series, special events and a mobile promotional display throughout the summer of 2019.
During the golden age of the Grand Resort Hotels in the White Mountain region, between 1880 and 1910, there were approximately 30 hotels that could be considered “Grand,” meaning those that provided room for 200 guests, with elegantly styled dining rooms, parlors, and lobby spaces, incorporating recreation activities and events targeting an elite class of tourists. These gracious establishments cultivated exclusive worlds apart where the honored guests could truly re-create themselves. The exhibit also illuminates New Hampshire’s White Mountains as a case study for the American Plan hospitality model, where patrons paid one price for room, meals, activities and amenities – the precursor to today’s ‘all inclusive’ model.
The exhibit also includes video reflections of people who are intimately familiar with the Grand Hotels through a special partnership with New Hampshire Public Television.
The Museum of the White Mountains will host a speaker series and other events throughout the summer. Information about The Grand Hotels of the White Mountains, including a schedule of events, is available at www.plymouth.edu/mwm/exhibitions
About Plymouth State University: Established in 1871, Plymouth State University serves the state of New Hampshire and the world beyond by transforming our students through advanced practices where engaged learning produces well-educated undergraduates and by providing graduate education that deepens and advances knowledge and enhances professional development. With distinction, we connect with community and business partners for economic development, technological advances, healthier living, and cultural enrichment with a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. For more information about Plymouth State University visit www.plymouth.edu.