Legal History Project

The Legal History Project began in 1988 with a suggestion from J. Albert Lynch, a Bar Foundation Fellow to Foundation Chair, Jack B. Middleton. After reading that yet another venerated NH Bar member had died, Lynch recommended the idea of an oral history project to preserve the invaluable experience and knowledge derived during decades of law practice. The collection has since been noted in the press as a "national treasure."

The inventory of recordings preserves the recollections of senior members of the New Hampshire legal community. To-date, 50 oral history interviews have been conducted with lawyers, judges, and court staff. The recordings are full of war stories and insights on the practice of law, including some of New Hampshire's most famous court cases, dating back before World War II.

The Project's interviews and collages are used by academics and the media to gather background information on particular individuals and/or the history of the legal system in New Hampshire. Schools and the public are welcome to borrow the DVDs or VHS tapes.

To borrow the Legal History Project DVDs or VHS tapes or for additional information, please contact info@nhbarfoundation.org.