The juxtaposition of old and new is just one example of the political lessons awaiting visitors to the Pierce Manse. The manse, located on Horseshoe Pond Lane in Concord, is a blend of two distinctly New Hampshire traditions. It's the former home
of the only Granite Stater elected to the White House, as well as the exhibition space for the New Hampshire Political Library, the organization dedicated to preserving the traditions behind the first-in-the-nation presidential primary.

Whether the interests of the politically minded lie in the 19th or 21st century, they may want to stop by the manse this Saturday, when the museum will welcome guests free of charge for its summer open house.

The manse has been open to the public for 35 years. In 1971, volunteers saved it from destruction and moved it from its original spot on Montgomery Street to the lane at the end of North Main Street.

The house is coming off its first full season since wrapping up a yearlong renovation. The changes were spurred by the recent partnership between the political library and the Pierce Brigade, the volunteer group that maintains the manse. Among the renovations are two new stories of gallery space in an attached barn.

One floor focuses on episodes from Pierce's life, including his tour in the Mexican War and the presidential campaign of 1852. Among the items on display are a lush, upholstered couch from Concord's old Eagle Hotel and a "campaign knife."

Downstairs, the political library has a gallery dedicated to its collection of campaign memorabilia, as well as meeting space for its public programs and lectures. The current exhibit focuses on the New Hampshire primary campaigns of former president George H.W. Bush. Among the items on display are campaign memos, advertisements and photos from the trail, many donated by former governor Hugh Gregg, a close adviser to Bush.

Leaning against one wall is the latest addition to the library's collection: the sign for the old Merrimack Restaurant in Manchester, a traditional stop for primary candidates until its closure last year.

"Our goal is to introduce visitors to things they weren't expecting to see," said Michael Chaney, the library's president.
Upstairs, in the old rooms where Pierce, his wife and his two sons lived from 1842 to 1848, there are other lessons. Joan Woodhead, president of the Pierce Brigade, said the Pierces' years in the house were among their happiest, before the hubbub of the presidency consumed their lives. But it was also a time of great tragedy. Their son Frankie died in the house, and a touching photograph of the boy hangs in an upstairs bedroom.

Explanatory labels are kept to a minimum, leaving the impression that Pierce and his wife, Jane, could stroll into the dining room at any moment. Small touches bring the house's spirit to life: creaky, wide-pine boards; a brass door knocker; a sheet of Pierce's White House stationery; his old shaving kit. On the dining room table lie copies of the menu from the Eagle Hotel, where Pierce and his colleagues were regular guests. Among the offerings: tongue, fried pickerel and partridges a la mode.

In the "campaign room," you'll see Pierce's beaver felt hat, his travel trunk and a framed poster that welcomed the president back to Concord after his election.

The house largely avoids the controversy surrounding Pierce's single four-year term. Many historians blame Pierce for the divisive policies that pushed the country closer to Civil War. Among the few items that allude to Pierce's uneven legacy is the pen he used to sign the Kansas-Nebraska Act. The legislation allowed residents of individual territories to decide whether to allow slavery within their borders, further inflaming tensions between pro- and anti-slavery factions.

Instead, the focus is on Pierce as a man, with special attention to the kind of everyday items - apple peelers as well as chamber pots - familiar to any resident of 19th-century New England.

Since the renovations, the manse's keepers have encouraged more school groups to tour the house. Kids are urged to pick up and inspect many of its objects - and to try on a woolen reproduction of Pierce's war jacket. There are no ropes to prevent young visitors from wandering through the rooms, the better to experience firsthand a slice of 19th-century family life.

Nearly 1,000 students visited the museum over the past school year. The political library also runs Kids Voting New Hampshire, which aims to foster an appreciation for voting in youngsters. For information on the program, contact Chaney at mchaney@politicallibrary.org.