The Enormous Impact of Two Icons Upon New Hampshire Tourism: The Old Man of the Mountain and Dick Hamilton

Presented as part of our 2023 An Enduring Presence: The Old Man of the Mountain Event Series. This project was made possible with support from New Hampshire Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.

The Old Man of the Mountain became the state’s official emblem in 1945. Moreover, it was a leading attraction for both residents and visitors to New Hampshire. When the formation fell on May 3, 2003, we lost a symbol as well as a leading revenue generator. Everyone from the governor to town officials had an opinion about how to venerate the Old Man. Enter Dick Hamilton, dean of New England tourism marketers.

Mark Okrant is the author of fourteen books, including the beloved Kary Turnell mystery series, praised for its geographic settings and surprising twists. He is a former professor of geography and tourism management, and past president of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, a leading global organization for tourism researchers. Aside from coordinating tourism research in New Hampshire for sixteen years, Mark has done studies in Maine, South Dakota, Alaska, Canada, Romania, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. His articles have been read in magazines and newspapers for the past thirty years. An avid traveler, Mark is also passionate about collecting Inuit art, watching classic westerns, playing golf and table tennis, and most importantly, spending as much time as possible with his family.

This is a hybrid event. To receive the Zoom link, please register HERE.