When the Old Man of the Mountain fell from his perch high above Franconia Notch, on May 3, 2003, it made international news. Many in New Hampshire and beyond responded as though mourning a beloved public figure. This program presents the "story" of the Old Man and examines the ways that public perceptions of the Profile played a role in shaping and establishing New Hampshire's identity, both symbolically and physically. We will discuss the stories of the many people who played a part in "saving" the Old Man, from the risk-taking mountaineers and engineers who kept the ledges in place for so many years, to the school children who gave their pennies to help protect the forest around him. Participants will be encouraged to tell stories of their own encounters with this iconic symbol as we discuss why these granite ledges – the result of a "miraculous accident" according to a state geologist – have played such an outsized role in the hearts of so many.

Presenter Inez McDermott has been teaching art history and curating art and history exhibitions in New Hampshire since 1986. In her classes and research she explores the ways that art can play a role in social engagement, participatory democracy, and activism. Her specific research interests focus on historical and contemporary New Hampshire art and artists, with a particular focus on 19th-century photography.

This program is made possible by New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.

In-Person Program. Registration Required.