CHARLESTOWN, N.H. – The Fort at No. 4 is a nonprofit history museum located along the Connecticut River in Charlestown, N.H., where visitors can experience life on the colonial frontier.
The museum focuses on sharing the rich history and stories of settlers, soldiers, and Native peoples who shaped the region. Immersive experiences at The Fort at No. 4 give visitors an opportunity to step back into life during the Colonial era in North America. The Fort has attracted visitors from at least 30 states and 14 different countries.
Alissa Bascom, a longtime volunteer at The Fort at No. 4, began her role as director in the fall of 2025. The organization relies heavily on volunteers and operates as a nonprofit, supported through grants, donations, and admissions.
Bascom explained that people are recognizing the importance of history and the significance of the Connecticut River region, and appreciate the opportunity to experience how settlers lived and the battles that were fought here.
This year is the United States of America’s 250th anniversary, which naturally helps to generate interest in the early settlers of New England, sparking a passion in some for the country’s history and their own local heritage. Bascom said, “People are looking for authentic experiences…to come together, to talk about how people came up on the frontier here, and why they came.” She also shared, “We’ve seen incredible growth here…we were up 50% in our gift shop and 60% in our admissions year over year.”
The Fort at No. 4 is located at 267 Springfield Road in Charlestown, N.H., and has experiences and activities for all ages. It operates seasonally from May-October, and the organization hosts additional special winter events, such as Midwinter – A Day of Winters Past, which occurs during the month of February and allows participants to experience the same harsh winter weather conditions as early settlers and the challenges they survived.
Regular hours are Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is discounted for students ages 6-17. Children 5 and under are admitted free, with reduced rates for seniors and members of the military and their families.
A full schedule of upcoming events, as well as more information, can be found at www.fortat4.org.