New Hampshire (magazine)

New Hampshire is a monthly lifestyle publication focused on "joining readers in a quest for all the best New Hampshire has to offer."^[1] It is a member of the City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA).^[2]

History

New Hampshire Magazine Vol. 1 No. 1

The Early Years

New Hampshire Magazine originated in 1988 in Nashua, NH, by Network Publications, Inc (owned by Patricia and David Gregg). Its point of origin and focus were predominantly Nashua, as its first name was "Network Magazine of Nashua." Its first issue (Vol. 1 No.1) featured Congressman Judd Gregg (soon-to-be Governor) on the cover. New Hampshire Magazine started as a bi-monthly magazine, but after two issues, switched to monthly in February 1989.

The early mission statement for the Magazine was focused around creating a lifestyle/business publication for the city which, as its reach grew, would eventually encompass the state.

New Hampshire Magazine was also one of the first publications in New Hampshire to be completely laid out on a computer (Desktop Publishing).

Growth through the recession

Over the next 7 years, the reach of the Magazine spread to the rest of New Hampshire. In February 1990, Network Publications, Inc. acquired Manchester Magazine from Don Madden. Concord and the North was created in January 1991, followed by Hampshire East in June. In June 1994, all four magazines were titled "New Hampshire Editions," each focusing on both statewide and local stories.

Many lifestyle publications were struggling during the Early 1990s recession in the United States in New Hampshire, but New Hampshire Editions' hybrid mission statement had somewhat shielded it, and helped it to grow. In 1994, Network Publications, Inc began forming editorial boards of business leaders within the state in various industries to determine editorial direction. Banking, Insurance, Transportation, Legal, and the emerging fields of Internet and Technology were the focus of these editorial boards.

From decisions made by these editorial boards, several "inserts and special sections" became part of New Hampshire Editions, as well as separate publications:

Cover of World Trader

• World Trader - a resource guide to worldwide commerce, in cooperation with New Hampshire Port Authority (February, 1994)
• Destination New Hampshire - a comprehensive business relocation guide and directory (November, 1994)
• New Hampshire Legacy - centered on New Hampshire's rich historical heritage (May, 1995)
• New Hampshire Guide to the Internet and Technology - introducing mixed media concepts to New Hampshire readers (October, 1996)
• Nashua Century - an in-depth look at Nashua's rich historical heritage, this was New Hampshire Editions' largest publication in history: 184 pages. Several Century magazines would be created in subsequent years. (December, 1998)

New Hampshire Editions and Internet Years

In May 1995, Network Publications began electronically publishing New Hampshire Editions on the internet. New Hampshire Editions Online (http://web.archive.org/web/19981207010323/http://www.nheditions.com/) came into being, alongside the NH.com network, another property of Network Publications. With the help of the internet boom, New Hampshire Editions grew to be the largest magazine in the state. It was estimated that New Hampshire Magazine had over 120,000 readers during this time.

In August 1996, all four publications would be published as one statewide magazine, focusing more on inserts and special editions rather than local topics.

Sale, Renaming, and Mission Statement focus

In August 1998, Network Publications, Inc., and all of its properties, was acquired by Independent Publications, Inc., owner of The Telegraph in Nashua.

In October 1998, New Hampshire Editions celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a commemorative issue. "We felt strongly that New Hampshire needed a publication that would tell the story of the people, businesses, lifestyles, and the beauty of the Granite State. That was our goal," Patricia Gregg wrote in her "Letter from the Publisher" column.

In 1999, New Hampshire Editions was renamed New Hampshire Magazine by Independent Publications.

Along with a new name, New Hampshire Magazine also took on a more focused mission statement. Its goal became less about business connections, and more about highlighting a lifestyle for the state. The magazine focused more on finding and highlighting the best New Hampshire has to offer.

Recent Years

In 2012, New Hampshire Magazine was purchased by Yankee Publishing, Inc..^[3]

References