In Congress at Exeter

The Royal government of New Hampshire had fled.

There were no laws being written, no trials heard, no public business conducted.

And so, on January 5, 1776, the leaders of New Hampshire gathered in Exeter, which was then the capital. They drafted a remarkable document, declaring that a provisional colonial government was being established to provide for the needs of the citizenry. It is considered the first written state constitution in America.

It was six months before the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia.

Two hundred and fifty years later, to the very day, this original document will return to where it was written. On January 5, 2026, the New Hampshire draft constitution will be on display at the Exeter Town Hall for one night only.

Join us to celebrate this important and unique piece of American revolutionary history. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and learn more about the draft constitution from special guests Judge Will Delker and Professor Lawrence Friedman.

Courtesy of the New Hampshire Supreme Court Society, this event is free to the public.

Doors open at 6:00pm on January 5. Join us in Congress at Exeter!