farewell to our friend and founder…

August 12, 2021 - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charles “Bud” Thompson, founder of the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, at 99 years of age.  From the time he was a young boy, Bud cultivated a love for all things Native American.  At the age of 70, he turned his passion into the Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum, with his extensive personal collection of Native artifacts serving as the foundation for this award-winning museum.  Through his leadership, the museum has grown and thrived over the past thirty years.

Bud’s contributions were not limited to the museum;  he was also instrumental in preserving the Canterbury Shaker Village, and received numerous awards and commendations for his contributions to preserving New Hampshire’s heritage, culture, and history.

Bud’s energy and ideas for the museum will be sorely missed, and we extend our sincerest condolences to his wife, family, and the many people whose lives were touched by him.  We are honored to be the stewards of his vision and his legacy, and will do everything in our power to safeguard this legacy for the generations to come.

A public memorial service for Bud Thompson was held at the museum (outdoors) on Saturday, September 25th, 2021 at 2 pm. Thank you to all who were able to attend and who donated to the museum in memory of Bud.