November 8, 2026

Chris Lopez
Welcome & Engagement Director, Free State Project

There’s an open seat for you this week. Here are a few places to start:

• Have dinner with the Pemi Valley Porcupines in Plymouth on Wednesday.
• Meet Seacoast neighbors in Exeter or at the SHELL in Rollinsford on Thursday.
• Join a Saturday potluck in Madison or Grafton.
• Get outside with the Granite Ruck crew in Candia on Sunday.

Wondering which gathering would be a good first stop? Email me and tell me where you’re located. I’d be happy to help you find one close to home.

For Liberty!
Chris Lopez

Upcoming Events · November 9–15, 2026

Monday, November 9

NH Liberty Alliance Legislative Summit

6–8 p.m. · Americans for Prosperity
8025 S Willow St, Manchester, NH

Meet New Hampshire legislators and talk through ideas for the upcoming session. Pizza dinner is included. Check the registration page for admission and day-of prices. Register with NHLA

Tuesday, November 10

Taproom Tuesday

4–8 p.m. · Murphy’s Taproom & Carriage House
393 State Route 101, Bedford, NH

Join Bill and Gail for drinks, appetizers, and conversation at this regular Bedford meetup. Taproom Tuesday details

2026 Libertas Award Dinner

6–8 p.m. · Grappone Conference Center
70 Constitution Ave, Concord, NH

The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy hosts George F. Will and honors New Hampshire House Speaker Sherm Packard. Check with the organizer for ticket availability. See the organizer’s announcement

Wednesday, November 11

Pemi Valley Porcupines Dinner Meet-Up

6 p.m. · Last Chair Brewery & Restaurant
5 NH-25, Plymouth, NH

Come for dinner and conversation. Look for the porcupine on the table to find the group. Visitors and new neighbors are welcome. Pemi Valley dinner details

The Porcupine Report

7 p.m. · Online

Catch the Free State Project’s weekly show about the people and ideas shaping New Hampshire’s liberty community. Watch on YouTube

Thursday, November 12

Sound Money Business Network

4–5:30 p.m. · Manchester
1800 Elm St, Manchester, NH

Meet people and businesses interested in using gold and silver for everyday transactions in New Hampshire. Sound Money meetup details

Exeter Liberty Outreach

6–8 p.m. · Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
93 Portsmouth Ave, Exeter, NH

Meet Seacoast neighbors over dinner and talk about what brought you to the Free State, or what might bring you here. Exeter meetup details

After-Party at the SHELL

7–10 p.m. · The SHELL, Lower Mill, Unit B789
3 Lower Mill Road, Rollinsford, NH

Continue the evening with games and conversation at the Seacoast clubhouse. SHELL after-party details

Friday, November 13

Liberty Power Hour

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. · Americans for Prosperity, Building 1, Suite 205
8025 S Willow St, Manchester, NH

Lunch and networking start at 11:30 a.m. The meeting runs from noon to 1 p.m. RSVP once per person so the hosts can plan lunch. RSVP for Power Hour

Friday at the Bar(bell)

7–11 p.m. · Free State Barbell Club
270 Amory St, Unit 3, Manchester, NH

Lift, learn, or get to know the crew. Beginners are welcome. Barbell meetup details

Saturday, November 14

Pine Tree Radio Society

11 a.m.–2 p.m. · The Quill
131 Amory St, Manchester, NH

Meet local radio enthusiasts at the Quill. See the listing for details. Radio Society meetup details

Carroll County Freedom Potluck

4–6 p.m. · Madison, NH

Mark and Michelle welcome neighbors and visitors to their monthly potluck. RSVP through the contact information in the listing. Madison potluck details and RSVP

Grafton Potluck

4–7 p.m. · Grafton, NH

Join the monthly potluck for friends of liberty. Call Rich using the number in the event listing for the location. Grafton potluck details

Sunday, November 15

The Gruck

1:15 p.m. arrival · 1:30 p.m. departure · Down the hill from Garnet School
456 Critchett Rd, Candia, NH

Take a 2½- or 5-mile walk with the Granite Ruck crew. Choose the distance and pack weight that suit you. Granite Ruck details

Social Sunday

5–6 p.m. · Branch and Blade Brewing
17 Bradco St, Keene, NH

Get to know Free Staters in the Monadnock region over a drink and conversation. Keene Social Sunday details

Manchester Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency Meetup

5–7:30 p.m. · Strange Brew Tavern
88 Market St, Manchester, NH

Join the weekly conversation about Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and how people use them. Manchester crypto meetup details

Find More Events

See what else is happening around New Hampshire and check for any last-minute changes.

Ghosts. Goblins. Income taxes.

With Halloween and Election Day both approaching, we are in the spooky season, but don’t worry… the Free State Project is working to keep New Hampshire free of paycheck-sucking tax vampires.

That’s why we continue connecting with liberty-loving neighbors — and inviting them to visit and move.

In this week’s Porcupine Post:

• Outreach Across the Northeast. Meet the volunteers bringing the Free State message to our neighbors.
• Make Your Plan to Vote. Official New Hampshire voter resources and “Election Day Cometh” with Pedro Serra.
• The Free State in Five Years. Join us November 7 to discuss what we can build together next.

Read on for voices from the Free State and ways to get involved.

FSP Outreach Takes on the Northeast

October was a busy month for FSP Outreach!

Our volunteers covered 14 shifts across seven states — Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. We also welcomed six first-time volunteers!

This past weekend alone, FSP Outreach connected with liberty lovers in Rhode Island, New York, and even here in New Hampshire.

A huge thank-you to everyone who stepped up to represent the Free State Project and introduce more people to the liberty community we’re building in New Hampshire.

You Can Help, Too!

Join our Outreach Signal announcement group to hear about upcoming shows and volunteer opportunities. No experience needed! You’ll be paired with another volunteer, and we provide simple training to help you get started.

Join the FSP Outreach Team.

Saturday took me to one of the least free states in America to speak with New York Libertarian Party delegates about effective strategies to make liberty win.

I am grateful to the party for hosting us — and to the new chair of the NYLP who let everyone know that moving to New Hampshire is part of her life plan.

Thank you to our volunteers for manning our Outreach table and recording my keynote dinner remarks to the Libertarian Party of New York (available to watch below).

On Sunday, I was back on the road and driving to Rhode Island for their own state Libertarian Party convention.

It was a smaller crowd, but we made more new connections and encouraged them to make the two-hour drive to visit and experience the Free State.

On the Road to Rhode Island. Light and I connected with potential future Free Staters at the Rhode Island Libertarian Convention.

Election Day Is Tuesday — Make Your Plan to Vote

Forget Halloween.

The spookiest day of the year is next Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day.

If you’re eligible to vote, make a plan to participate: check your polling place and hours, review your sample ballot, and confirm what documents you need before heading out. (Photo ID is required to vote in New Hampshire.)

For those who live in New Hampshire, find official NH voter information, including registration and voting requirements. For polling locations and sample ballots, use the Secretary of State’s lookup tool.

Disclaimer: The Free State Project encourages civic participation and does not endorse candidates or political parties.

Porcupine Report #132: “Election Day Cometh”

With Election Day approaching, Eric Brakey welcomes FSP board chair Pedro Serra for a conversation about civic participation and building community in New Hampshire. Watch the episode.

The Free State in Five Years

As Election Day passes, the future of the Free State begins. In five years, how will New Hampshire be more free?

Join Eric Brakey, Pedro Serra, and Jason Sorens for a fundraising reception and conversation about what we can build together by 2031.

Saturday, November 7, 2–4 p.m. At the home of Tim Baxter and Luke Rustin in Manchester. Space is limited to 50 guests; RSVP is required, and the address will be included in your confirmation.

A $100 minimum contribution per person is requested. Give online, with crypto, or at the door.

Your support helps bring more liberty lovers to New Hampshire and funds our work in 2027. See the event page for giving options and 2027 Porcupine Patron levels.

Details and RSVP

Plan Your Porcupine Vacation

For many future movers, this is how it starts.

Be sure to check out our friends at the Independence Inn and ask about the FSP discount.

Book Your Visit with a Free State Discount:
(603) 988-0315
carol@nhindependenceinn.com

Free Stater-owned and operated, the Independence Inn helps liberty lovers visit and explore New Hampshire. Any week of the year, come for a visit and they can guide you to Free State events, across five different communities, each within a one-hour drive.

The Independence Inn is a sponsor of the Porcupine Post newsletter and Porcupine Report podcast.

Thank you to our Porcupine Patrons!

This newsletter—and the outreach you just read about—exists because of our patrons.

If you believe in our mission to build a liberty homeland in New Hampshire, please become a Porcupine Patron. Your ongoing support helps us welcome future movers and sustain our year-round work for “Liberty in Our Lifetime.”

Visit our patron page to explore giving options and benefits. We welcome donations in dollars, cryptocurrency, and other forms.

Thank you to every patron who makes this work possible.

Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron?

It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP.

Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State.

For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project

Free State Voices

The Mark Edge Show — Episode 23

Sal and Mark discuss cryptocurrency privacy with Joel Valenzuela, including Dash’s shielded asset pool and the Pirate Chain exploit. Paxful co-founder Ray Youssef joins them to discuss Bitcoin adoption and his arrest in Mexico. Watch the episode.

The Independents: Carla Gericke with Steve Villee

Carla Gericke interviews Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Steve Villee about the upcoming New Hampshire election and his party’s ballot-access goals. The views expressed are those of the speakers; the Free State Project does not endorse candidates or political parties. Watch the episode.

Granite Discourse #17 with Mike ter Maat

Retired economist and 2024 Libertarian vice-presidential candidate Mike ter Maat discusses the Republican Liberty Caucus and his recent visit to New Hampshire to recruit for its state chapter. Watch the episode.

Concord Focused on Affordability Even When DC Did Not

Jason Sorens · Concord Monitor · October 24

FSP founder Jason Sorens argues that New Hampshire’s bipartisan reforms are tackling the cost of living by making it easier to build housing, easing zoning barriers for childcare, and eliminating mandatory annual vehicle inspections. He highlights rising housing permits as an encouraging sign—and explains why reducing regulatory barriers can make everyday life more affordable. Read the full article.

As Seen in the Free State

Follow us for more updates

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Last Saturday, Free Staters and friends gathered for our Granite Freedom Trek up Mount Willard.

The views were beautiful, but the best part was the company: an equal mix of Free Staters and visitors to New Hampshire making the trek together.

Our work continues far beyond the trail.

This week, we’re introducing new leaders helping guide the Free State Project, welcome future movers, and advance our mission of Liberty in Our Lifetime.

In this week’s Porcupine Post:

• Trekking to the Summit. Photos and memories from our autumn adventure in the White Mountains.
• New FSP Leaders. Meet the Free Staters taking on new responsibilities, including Pedro Serra as board chair and Dan McGuire returning to the board.
• A Porcupine Patron Update. Thank you to the Porcupine Patrons who fund our year-round mission. Become a patron!

Climbing to the Summit

A change of mountains couldn’t keep us off the trail.

Last Saturday, October 17, Free Staters and friends gathered for the Granite Freedom Trek up Mount Willard in Crawford Notch.

With harsh weather forecast for our original destination, Mount Pierce, we changed course—and were rewarded with sweeping views of the notch and a day together in the White Mountains.

The company made the climb. Along the trail, we shared conversations, made new connections, and enjoyed one of the great benefits of building the Free State: having people to share the adventure with.

Thank you to Derek Proulx for guiding us, everyone who joined the Trek, and the photographers who captured the day. Enjoy a few of our favorite moments below—and come explore with us next time.

New Leaders Step Forward

Building the Free State takes people willing to step forward.

This week, we’re welcoming new leaders and celebrating familiar faces taking on new responsibilities at the Free State Project.

Pedro Serra has been elected board chair, and Dan McGuire is returning to the board.

We’re also welcoming Jane Bennett as Outreach Director, alongside other leaders helping strengthen the organization and connect more people with our community.

I’m grateful to everyone lending their time and talents to this mission. Their work helps turn the promise of Liberty in Our Lifetime into practical steps: welcoming movers, supporting volunteers, and introducing more liberty lovers to New Hampshire.

Read the full announcement to meet our new leaders.

Then watch the recent interviews below: Pedro joins Carla Gericke on The Independents, and Dan joins me on The Porcupine Report.

Across the Northeast

This weekend, I’m taking the Free State message on the road to connect with liberty lovers across the Northeast.

• Tomorrow, I will be a keynote speaker on Saturday, October 24 at the New York State Libertarian Party Convention.
• Additionally, I have recently accepted an invitation to speak on Sunday, October 25, at the Rhode Island Libertarian Party Convention.

To both groups, I will be sharing practical lessons for making liberty win — and why these lessons led me to make the move to New Hampshire.

If you are in the area, please stop by. I’d love to connect with you.

Plan Your Porcupine Vacation

For many future movers, this is how it starts.

Be sure to check out our friends at the Independence Inn and ask about the FSP discount.

Book Your Visit with a Free State Discount:
(603) 988-0315
carol@nhindependenceinn.com

Free Stater-owned and operated, the Independence Inn helps liberty lovers visit and explore New Hampshire. Any week of the year, come for a visit and they can guide you to Free State events, across five different communities, each within a one-hour drive.

The Independence Inn is a sponsor of the Porcupine Post newsletter and Porcupine Report podcast.

Thank you to our Porcupine Patrons!

This entire newsletter — and the outreach you just read about — exists because of our patrons.

If you believe in our mission to build a liberty homeland in New Hampshire, I’d like to ask you to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.

For just $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to build “Liberty in Our Lifetime.” Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.

Our Porcupine Patron community is constantly growing. Currently, we have 337 active patrons. Can you help us reach 350?

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations to the Free State Project are tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars, cryptocurrency, and other forms.

Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron?

It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP.

Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State.

For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project

Mark Your Calendar!

Recurring Free State Events

New Mover Potluck Parties!

• Manchester — First Friday
• North Country — Third Saturday
• Upper Valley — First Saturday

Local Meetups!

• Bedford — weekly, Tuesdays
• Plymouth — semi-monthly, Wednesdays
• Seacoast — weekly, Thursdays (changes town)
• Upper Valley — monthly, fourth Tuesday
• Nashua — weekly, Sundays
• Lakes — monthly, third Saturday
• Ossipee — monthly, second Sunday
• Madison — monthly, second Saturday and third Tuesday
• Grafton — monthly, second Saturday
• Keene — weekly, Sundays
• Lower Valley — monthly, third Friday

This is only a small sample of what’s going on in the Free State! Recurring topical events include agorism, family play time, range shooting, and crypto.

Find upcoming events across the state on our NH Liberty Calendar.

NHLA Power Hour

Our friends at the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance are now hosting a weekly meeting to network, hear from guest speakers, stay informed and help accelerate the liberty movement. You are invited.

Every Friday, AFP 8025 S. Willow St, Manchester

• 11:30–12:00, Networking & Lunch
• 12:00, Meeting begins

Click here to RSVP (for free lunch).

NH Liberty Club House Events

Free State Voices

SEASTEADING with President of The Seasteading Institute and Author, Joe Quirk | The Mark Edge Show

Mark Edge charts new waters with Joe Quirk, Seavangelist and President of The Seasteading Institute and author of Seasteading: How Floating Nations Will Restore the Environment, Enrich the Poor, Cure the Sick, and Liberate Humanity from Politicians, for a wide ranging conversation about why libertarians have won all the arguments but still can’t change anything — and why seasteading might be the technology that actually puts the state out of business.

Watch the episode

Breakfast Didn’t Get Twice as Good | The Independents (Host: Carla Gericke)

Your orange juice costs twice as much. Your breakfast didn’t get twice as good. So what, exactly, are you paying for? This week on The Independents, Carla Gericke follows the squeeze — from inflation eating your purchasing power to political outrage consuming your attention.

Watch the episode

The Granite Discourse #18 w/ Calvin Beaulier

Calvin Beaulier is a NH State Representative for Grafton County district 1. He is serving his first term and is an attorney and a real estate broker who also serves on the housing committee.

Watch the episode

As Seen in the Free State

As the Free State Project builds a freer future by recruiting the next generation of liberty movers to New Hampshire, our mission depends on people willing to step forward and do the work.

This month, the Free State Project welcomes new leaders, recognizes years of dedicated service, and shares updates from our Board of Directors and Core Leadership Team.

Thank you, Séamas O’Scalaidhe

Séamas O’Scalaidhe has resigned as Chair and stepped down from the FSP Board of Directors. We are grateful for the time, judgment, and generosity he has devoted to our mission.

Séamas served as FSP treasurer and Board member from 2011 to 2016, returning to the Board in 2025 and most recently serving as Chair. Across those years, he supported the organization as both a volunteer leader and patron, helping sustain the work of bringing liberty-minded people to New Hampshire.

“I encourage the FSP to cultivate younger leaders who will carry this work forward and help make New Hampshire freer for decades to come. As I step down from the board, I intend to continue supporting our mission. I have great confidence in the board and its ability to lead the Free State Project to even more success.”

Building a lasting movement depends on people willing to take responsibility for its future. We thank Séamas for answering that call and for his many years of service.

Pedro Serra elected Board Chair

Pedro Serra has been elected Chair of the FSP Board of Directors after serving as a Board member and Outreach Director. He brings firsthand experience introducing prospective Free Staters to New Hampshire and helping them connect with the community.

“I’m grateful for the board’s confidence. The Free State Project’s mission is clear: more liberty-lovers moving to New Hampshire. I’ll be an active chair and look forward to working with our Executive Director, the board, staff and volunteers to make that happen. Reach out on X @serrapedro to say hello, share ideas, or get involved. It’s an exciting time!” said Serra.

Dan McGuire returns to the Board

Dan McGuire has been elected to the FSP Board of Directors, returning with decades of experience in the Free State movement. Dan and his wife, Carol, moved to New Hampshire in 2005. Since then, he has served five terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and helped build the community that makes the Free State more than an idea.

“I’m pleased that retiring from the legislature will give me more time for worthwhile volunteer work, including serving on the Free State Project’s Board. I look forward to helping more liberty-minded people make New Hampshire their home.”

Dan brings experience in public service, organizational leadership, and community life to his renewed service on the Board.

Jane Bennett takes lead as Outreach Director

Jane Bennett now serves as the Free State Project’s Director of Outreach, helping introduce more liberty lovers to the Free State Project and connecting them to communities in New Hampshire.

Already an established leader with FSP outreach events, Jane brings a broad background in marketing, branding, communications, and public relations. She will lead efforts to turn new introductions into lasting relationships — and help more liberty-minded people take their next step toward the Free State.

“I love what the liberty community has built here, and I’m looking forward to expanding our Outreach efforts to help more people discover the Free State Project. There’s so much happening in New Hampshire, and I’m excited to inspire more people to move here and become part of it!”

Stephen Daves strengthens the FSP’s technology team

Stephen Daves joins the Core Leadership Team as Deputy Director of Information Technology. He architects, develops, and deploys resilient IT solutions to solve business problems, helping strengthen the technology that supports the Free State Project’s work. He is currently leading the FSP’s migration to a secure and open-source data management system.

Franklin Einspruch brings creative direction to merchandise

Franklin Einspruch joins the Core Team as Strategist for Merchandise Design. His work will help us develop merchandise that expresses the ideas and character of the Free State movement, giving supporters more ways to share their enthusiasm and support the mission.

“I’m honored for the opportunity to contribute my skills to the great project of liberty.”

Mahgdalen Rose helps Free State voices reach further

Mahgdalen Rose now serves as FSPN Executive Producer and Media Coordinator. Her responsibilities include overseeing production for the Free State Podcast Network and coordinating media opportunities for FSP spokespeople.

As FSPN develops, her work helps independent voices reach wider audiences and introduces more people to the ideas, experiences, and community taking shape in New Hampshire.

“The Free State Podcast Network has unified freedom focused hosts across New Hampshire to provide content five days a week to our audience! FSPN will continue to grow and bring on new hosts to feature a variety of liberty focused perspectives.”

Please join us in thanking these leaders — and the staff, volunteers, and supporters whose work makes the Free State Project possible.

Meet the FSP’s leadership team.

The New England foliage this time of year is something to behold.

As the liberty capital of New England, however, New Hampshire is the only state where autumn arrives without any communism to dampen its beauty.

This is no accident.

Many generations of Granite Staters — from the 1772 Pine Tree Riot through today — have been working to protect and extend individual human liberty.

Over the last generation, the Free Staters of New Hampshire have been especially dedicated to this cause and have helped achieve hundreds of liberty wins.

This week, we launched a searchable collection of 236 liberty wins in New Hampshire, dating back to 2009.

Want to see what liberty migration can accomplish?

Browse by year or topic, from education freedom and self-defense to tax relief and fewer barriers to work. Follow the sources. Share it with a friend who wonders whether the Free State Project is working.

And if you are still watching from across the border, consider what you could help build once you join us here.

• A Swirling Vortex of Liberty. Our outreach continues across the Northeast, with stops in New York and Rhode Island next weekend.
• Same Trek, New Mountain. Tomorrow’s Granite Freedom Trek is moving to Mount Willard. Join us for autumn views and good company.
• Working to Welcome. Volunteers gathered at the Quill to prepare welcome bags for new movers—including a Free State Passport to help them explore their new home.
• Plan Your Porcupine Vacation. Dennis Pratt joins The Porcupine Report to discuss visiting New Hampshire and finding your people.
• Do We Attract Bears? The accusation keeps coming up. We checked the numbers.
• Free State Voices, Every Weekday. Meet the Free State Podcast Network’s lineup, bringing liberty voices to your screen at 7 p.m. Eastern.
• A Porcupine Patron Update. Thank you to all 335 Porcupine Patrons who fund our year-round mission. Become a patron!

A Swirling Vortex of Liberty

Operation Liberty Vortex continues across the Northeast.

The continued success of the Free State Project requires pulling more liberty lovers off their sinking ships and into the Free State.

To liberty-loving people in nearby states less free, we continue sending envoys to help them learn and connect with the FSP.

This past week, Outreach volunteers ventured deep into Maine — our eastern neighbor, which has fallen from #25 to #43 in the “Freedom in the 50 States” index over the last fifteen years.

Next weekend, I will be personally traveling with outreach volunteers to two other Northeast states.

• I will be a keynote speaker on Saturday, October 24 at the New York State Libertarian Party Convention.
• Additionally, I have recently accepted an invitation to speak the following Sunday, October 25, at the Rhode Island Libertarian Party Convention.

To both groups, I will be sharing practical lessons for making liberty win — and why these lessons led me to make the move to New Hampshire.

If you are in the area, please stop by. I’d love to connect with you.

We always need more Outreach volunteers!

If you’d like to learn about more opportunities to volunteer with FSP Outreach, then join the FSP Outreach Team Signal group.

This is a “no chat” group, which means there are no conversations to keep up with — just outreach volunteer opportunities posted as they become available.

Same Trek, New Mountain

Tomorrow morning, we are setting out with a party of Free Staters and volunteers on the 2nd annual Granite Freedom Trek.

On the advice of our guide, due to expected weather conditions at the summit tomorrow, we have switched our plans from Mount Pierce to Mount Willard.

We still have a few tickets available for last minute decision makers, but this is truly your last chance to sign up!

The next time you hear from me about this trek, it will be with pictures from the summit.

NOTE: Your ticket to the Granite Freedom Trek entitles you to a commemorative t-shirt and access to a post-trek after party with food and drink.

Working to Welcome

Last night at the Quill, FSP Welcome Director Chris Lopez organized and hosted our monthly “Volunteer Night.”

Our plan was simple this time: assemble “Welcome Bags” for new movers — including FSP Passports and helpful information for exploring and experiencing the many corners of the Free State.

What is a Free State Passport?

Moving is only the beginning.

The Free State Passport gives new movers twenty activities to help them meet people and get involved — from introducing themselves at a new mover potluck to helping another mover.

Each page has space to record experiences, contacts, and follow-up plans. It is a pocket-sized guide to building your life in the Free State.

New movers receive one in their Welcome Bag.

Plan Your Porcupine Vacation

Porcupine Report #130: “Plan Your Visit” w/ Dennis Pratt

What does it really feel like to live in New Hampshire’s growing liberty community? Eric sits down with Dennis Pratt to talk about why experiencing the Free State firsthand can be so different from simply hearing about it from afar. They explore the communities, friendships, affinity groups, and opportunities that have developed as thousands of liberty-minded people have made New Hampshire home. Dennis also shares how prospective movers can plan a visit, connect with people who share their interests, and get a taste of everyday life in the Free State.

Watch the episode

For many future movers, this is how it starts.

Be sure to check out our friends at the Independence Inn and ask about the FSP discount.

Book Your Visit with a Free State Discount:
(603) 988-0315
carol@nhindependenceinn.com

Free Stater-owned and operated, the Independence Inn helps liberty lovers visit and explore New Hampshire. Any week of the year, come for a visit and they can guide you to Free State events, across five different communities, each within a one-hour drive.

The Independence Inn is a sponsor of the Porcupine Post newsletter and Porcupine Report podcast.

Myth Busting: Do We Attract Bears?

In the Will Ferrell comedy “Anchorman,” his character Ron Burgundy insists that women don’t belong in the newsroom because they will attract bears — putting everyone’s life in danger.

We laugh, but in real life… this is actually one of the most common accusations by NH progressives against Free Staters.

They insist that we attract bears.

Seriously.

Yesterday, at the invitation of the founder of a popular Facebook group, “Granite State Politics,” I hosted an “ask me anything” to take on challenges and questions.

This group is largely dominated by loud, left-wing voices that run amok with conspiracy theories about the Free State Project, so I knew what I was in for.

Still, I took on many good faith questions with good faith in return.

And yet, some kept going on about bears.

Thankfully, we had just completed and published at FSP.org a town-level data analysis of five years of reported bear encounters in New Hampshire, compared against the liberty ratings of local legislators.

Believe it or not, the weak correlation ran in the opposite direction: towns with higher legislative liberty scores tended to have slightly fewer bear reports per capita.

The relationship was small. These numbers do not establish that liberty attracts—or repels—bears.

But apparently, the bears haven’t been reading the liberty scorecards. They are too busy looking for a free lunch.

Click here to read the article.

Thank you to our Porcupine Patrons!

This entire newsletter — and the outreach you just read about — exists because of our patrons.

If you believe in our mission to build a liberty homeland in New Hampshire, I’d like to ask you to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.

For just $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to build “Liberty in Our Lifetime.” Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.

Our Porcupine Patron community is constantly growing. Currently, we have 335 active patrons. Can you help us reach 350?

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations to the Free State Project are tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars, cryptocurrency, and other forms.

Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron?

It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP.

Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State.

For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project

Mark Your Calendar!

Recurring Free State Events

New Mover Potluck Parties!

• Manchester — First Friday
• North Country — Third Saturday
• Upper Valley — First Saturday

Local Meetups!

• Bedford — weekly, Tuesdays
• Plymouth — semi-monthly, Wednesdays
• Seacoast — weekly, Thursdays (changes town)
• Upper Valley — monthly, fourth Tuesday
• Nashua — weekly, Sundays
• Lakes — monthly, third Saturday
• Ossipee — monthly, second Sunday
• Madison — monthly, second Saturday and third Tuesday
• Grafton — monthly, second Saturday
• Keene — weekly, Sundays
• Lower Valley — monthly, third Friday

This is only a small sample of what’s going on in the Free State! Recurring topical events include agorism, family play time, range shooting, and crypto.

Find upcoming events across the state on our NH Liberty Calendar.

NHLA Power Hour

Our friends at the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance are now hosting a weekly meeting to network, hear from guest speakers, stay informed and help accelerate the liberty movement. You are invited.

Every Friday, AFP 8025 S. Willow St, Manchester

• 11:30–12:00, Networking & Lunch
• 12:00, Meeting begins

Click here to RSVP (for free lunch).

NH Liberty Club House Events

Free State Voices

Free Staters have a lot to say.

With the Free State Podcast Network, we’re bringing those voices together at 7 p.m. (New Hampshire Time) every weekday.

Together, we’re sharing the ideas, debates, and people shaping life in the Free State—and giving those still planning their move a window into the community waiting for them.

Watch on the Free State Project’s YouTube, Facebook, and X channels. Subscribe, join the conversation, and share an episode with someone who belongs here.

Your Kids Deserve Better Than the Default | Jody Underwood on School Choice (Host: Mark Edge)

Thirteen years is a long time to spend in a system that isn’t working for your kid. On this episode of the Mark Edge Show, Mark is joined by Jody Underwood for a conversation about the education options most families don’t even know they have.

Jody runs Education Options (EdOpt), a New Hampshire nonprofit that helps families find the right fit for their kids, whether that’s a charter school, a private school, homeschooling, or something in between.

Watch the episode

Porcupine Report #131: “State of the Midterms” w/ Jack Hunter (Host: Eric Brakey)

Eric Brakey welcomes political commentator Jack Hunter to the Porcupine Report for a candid discussion about the state of American politics and the future of the liberty movement. They explore growing frustration with the Republican Party, shifting political alliances, and what the upcoming midterm elections could mean for advocates of limited government. Despite their concerns about the national political landscape, they discuss opportunities for a new wave of grassroots activism and political change. Plus, updates from the Free State Project and the continued growth of New Hampshire’s liberty community.

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Free State Movement, Grassroots Activism & Property Tax Caps w/ Pedro Serra (Host: Carla Gericke)

Carla Gericke welcomes Pedro Serra to discuss his journey from Puerto Rico to New Hampshire and the experiences that shaped his passion for liberty. They explore the Free State movement, the work of the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance, and the importance of grassroots activism in protecting individual freedoms.

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NH’s Spending, Property Taxes & Government Reform with Dan McGuire | The Granite Discourse EP 24

New Hampshire State Representative Dan McGuire joins The Granite Discourse to discuss the state’s approach to government, education, and fiscal responsibility. From rising property taxes and school spending to proposed reforms in education funding and local government, McGuire shares his perspective on the challenges facing New Hampshire taxpayers. The conversation also explores the history of the state’s citizen legislature, the influence of the Free State Project, and concerns about government spending and inflation. As he prepares to step away from elected office, McGuire reflects on his years in the legislature and what the future may hold for New Hampshire.

Watch the episode

Have you ordered your copy yet?

FSP Director Eric Brakey published his first book — a pithy door-knocking guide of 13 rules for liberty candidates running for local office. This is a must-have for anyone who wants to win at the door.

All proceeds benefit the Free State Project.

Click here to order a copy on Amazon.

As Seen in the Free State

The Granite Freedom Trek on Saturday, October 17, 2026, will now hike Mount Willard in Crawford Notch, with a 10:00 a.m. meeting time at the AMC Highland Center.

Based on the forecast reviewed by our guide, the originally planned Mount Pierce route could experience summit wind chills near 1°F. On the guide’s recommendation, we’re switching to Mount Willard.

Mount Willard offers sweeping views of Crawford Notch on a roughly 3.2-mile round-trip hike with about 900 feet of elevation gain. We’ll enjoy the mountain scenery and a chance to catch the remaining fall color, gather for photos at Saco Lake, and head to Basecamp Brewing in Lincoln for a meal together.

Updated schedule: Saturday, October 17

• 10:00 a.m.: Meet at the AMC Highland Center, 2779 Route 302, Bretton Woods, NH.
• 10:15 a.m.: Walk to the Mount Willard trailhead and begin the hike.
• Around 1:00 p.m.: Group photos at Saco Lake, near the Highland Center.
• Around 1:45 p.m.: Depart for Lincoln. Allow approximately 50 minutes for the drive, plus traffic.
• 3:00 p.m.: Lunch at Basecamp Brewing, 25 S Mountain Dr, Lincoln, NH.

Post-hike times are approximate and may change with trail conditions and the group’s pace.

Parking

Please use the designated day-use area of the Highland Center lot. AMC currently charges $10 per vehicle, payable at the lodge front desk. Arrive early enough to park, pay, and meet by 10:00 a.m. Carpooling is encouraged.

Dress for cold weather

Even on this lower route, temperatures may be near freezing, with wind at the exposed overlook. Bring layers you can adjust during the climb and while we stop:

• A moisture-wicking wool or synthetic base layer. Please avoid cotton.
• An insulating fleece or puffy jacket.
• A windproof, waterproof outer shell.
• A warm hat, gloves or mittens, and a neck gaiter.
• Waterproof hiking boots with wool socks, plus spare socks.

What to bring

• Microspikes for potentially icy sections. Trekking poles are also recommended. Contact the organizers beforehand if you need help obtaining traction gear.
• Water and a packed lunch or substantial snacks—we won’t eat at Basecamp until 3:00 p.m.
• Hand and toe warmers.
• A headlamp, small first-aid kit, and personal medications.
• A fully charged phone.
• Bright clothing for visibility during fall hunting season.

Save the trail map before you leave

Cell service in Crawford Notch is limited. Review the Mount Willard Trail map on AllTrails beforehand. AllTrails Plus or Peak subscribers can download the map for offline use. Otherwise, save a screenshot or bring a printed map as a reference.

On the trail

Please stay with the group and follow our guide’s directions. The guide may adjust the pace or turn us around if conditions warrant. Stay well back from the edges of the exposed ledges, particularly if surfaces are wet or icy.

If you have concerns about the hike or medical information relevant to your participation, contact the organizers privately before Saturday. We also recommend leaving a dry change of clothes in your car for afterward.

Already registered?

Please reply to the participant update email to confirm you’ve seen the new route and 10:00 a.m. meeting time. If you purchased tickets for others, forward the update to everyone in your party. If you have questions or can no longer attend, reply to that email or contact brakey@fsp.org. Day-of phone contacts are included in the participant email.

Big views, great company, and a meal together afterward. We can’t wait to see you Saturday!

Across five years of New Hampshire Fish and Game records and 222 towns, higher legislative liberty scores from the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance (NHLA) showed no strong association with more bear reports. Apparently, the bears haven’t been reading the NHLA scorecards.

The scores measure representatives’ legislative votes, not residents’ beliefs. The 2021–2025 records test a statewide association, not the book’s account of earlier events in Grafton.

What the statewide records show

Fish and Game supplied five years of records containing 2,496 statewide reports from 2021 through 2025. They include sightings, agricultural and general conflicts, public-safety concerns, feeding reports, and reports involving sick or injured bears. The 2,496 entries are not a count of bear attacks.

The largest five-year totals were Berlin with 114, Moultonborough with 91, Littleton with 88, Lancaster with 78, and Conway with 75.

Do towns with higher liberty scores report more bear conflicts?

We matched bear reports to town averages derived from the NHLA’s 2026 House Liberty Ratings. The comparison included 222 municipalities, of which 205 had complete ratings coverage and 17 had partial coverage.

The finding held whether we compared total reports or reports per 1,000 residents. This is a comparison of legislative voting records and reported wildlife encounters; it does not establish that liberty causes or prevents bear conflicts.

About that book…

Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling made Grafton’s libertarian experiment into a cautionary tale about small government and large wildlife. In NBC10 Boston’s The Free Town, Fish and Game bear biologist Andrew Timmins says Grafton did not have a high level of complaints (7:06–7:13), and that there is no evidence of a bear-population spike or sudden increase in conflicts during the period discussed (8:31–8:43).

The book’s own chronology complicates its political framing: in chapter 1, “A Feline Feeding,” Jessica Soule dates her concerns about Grafton’s unusual bear behavior to summer 1999, before the Free State Project began in 2001. Apparently, the bears got an advance copy of the libertarian agenda. Her account places concerns about unusual bear behavior before the movement’s arrival. That does not rule out later changes in conflicts.

After a woman was injured in Grafton on June 16, 2012, Fish and Game described unusually high bear activity statewide, an early spring, and a seasonal shortage of natural food. Associated Press reporting documented increased complaints elsewhere in New England that summer.

The local Free Town Project and the statewide Free State Project were distinct, despite overlap among participants; contemporary reporting documented the distinction in 2004. The author argues some encounters went unreported, and complaint records cannot capture every encounter. That limits what the logs can tell us. One town’s experiment is not the whole movement.

Your bird feeder has entered the chat

Whatever their views on taxation, bears appear interested in a free lunch. Chickens appear in another attractant category, listed in 616 entries. These categories can overlap.

For anyone choosing a New Hampshire community, bear reports offer useful local context. Read them alongside population, surroundings, and the kinds of incidents being reported. A town’s legislative score describes its representatives’ voting records; its bear logs describe reported wildlife encounters.

Choose your town thoughtfully. Secure your garbage.

Explore towns with Find Your Place →
Compare bear reports alongside other community information in our moving tool.

Sources and methods

Fish and Game explained that a missing town-year means zero reported conflicts. Separate incidents at the same property are counted separately, while duplicate staff calls about the same incident are counted once. The department said its methods and coverage were consistent across the years supplied.

Two statewide entries were in Wentworth’s Location, an unincorporated place; the remaining 2,494 were in incorporated municipalities.

The analysis uses Fish and Game’s town-level bear–human conflict logs for 2021–2025 and accompanying response letter received October 13, 2026; the NHLA 2026 House ratings snapshot checked October 6; and town population estimates from the 2020–2024 American Community Survey.

NHLA scores describe legislators’ voting records, not residents’ beliefs, the number of Free Staters, or local wildlife policies. Town averages exclude unrated representatives and the Speaker. Ward-dependent municipalities and places without a usable town average were excluded. Some towns share representatives, so towns are not independent political observations.

The correlation between a town’s score and its five-year incident total was approximately −0.10. For incidents per 1,000 residents, it was approximately −0.13. Using only the 205 towns with complete ratings coverage gave a raw-count correlation of approximately −0.08.

Correlation ranges from −1 to +1; values near zero indicate little linear relationship.

The comparisons use Pearson correlations. The 2026 ratings and 2021–2025 incidents cover different periods. The population calculation uses a fixed estimate across all five years and does not account for visitors. Report counts do not capture every encounter or measure injury risk. Habitat, food availability, development, and reporting behavior may also affect the totals. This comparison cannot establish causation.

Download the sources:

Fish and Game bear–human conflict records, 2021–2025 (PDF)

Fish and Game response letter, October 13, 2026 (PDF)

Full NHLA and bear-report comparison workbook (Excel)

Featured photo: U.S. Forest Service, public domain. Photos illustrate the species and do not depict incidents in the supplied New Hampshire records.

Liberty in Our Lifetime: New Hampshire’s Wins Since 2009

Free State Project releases searchable database of 235 liberty wins, dating back to 2009.

By Hon. Eric Brakey, Executive Director, Free State Project

The Free State Project has released an expanded, searchable collection of 235 liberty wins in New Hampshire, from 2009 through 2026. From constitutional carry and school choice to tax relief and limits on government power, the database documents a growing record of freedom that Free Staters have contributed to.

Browse by year, search by keyword or bill number, or explore topics such as education, taxes, privacy, self-defense, housing, and business. Source links let you examine the laws and records behind the milestones.

What would change in your life if you moved somewhere liberty was gaining ground?

You could carry a firearm for self-defense without applying for a state license. Your family could find more ways to educate your children based on their own needs and your own values. You could keep more of the income you earn. And if you brought a professional license with you, there could be a clearer path to continuing your career.

These are some of the practical freedoms behind “Liberty in Our Lifetime.” Here are five milestones worth exploring.

2017: Constitutional Carry

In 2017, New Hampshire removed the license requirement for carrying a concealed pistol or revolver for people otherwise legally permitted to possess firearms.

For a liberty-minded person weighing a move, that is a substantial difference: exercising the right to carry for self-defense without first asking the state for a license.

It is also a reminder that freedoms can expand when people organize, persuade their neighbors, and persist.

2025–2026: Education Choice Expands

Education can be one of the most important considerations for a family choosing where to live.

In 2025, New Hampshire removed the household-income threshold for Education Freedom Accounts, opening eligibility across income levels. These accounts let participating families direct education funding toward approved schools, programs, and services that fit their children’s needs. Enrollment caps, priority rules, and other eligibility requirements still apply.

Homeschool freedom has advanced, too. A 2022 law affirmed that homeschool portfolios remain parents’ property and removed a fixed test-score benchmark. In 2026, the Home Education Freedom Act went further, repealing mandatory recordkeeping and evaluation requirements, limiting government regulation of home education, and strengthening families’ privacy protections. A declaration is required only when withdrawing from public school or accessing public school programs.

Together, these changes give families more room to shape an education around their children.

2025: The Interest and Dividends Tax Ends

New Hampshire repealed its Interest and Dividends Tax for tax periods beginning January 1, 2025.

For residents who previously owed the tax, that means keeping more of the income generated by savings and investments. It is a concrete victory for people building financial independence, saving for their families, or planning retirement.

A freer life includes more control over the resources you have worked to earn.

2023: Bring Your Professional Skills to New Hampshire

Moving should not mean leaving your career behind.

A 2023 law created a licensing pathway through New Hampshire’s Office of Professional Licensure and Certification for professionals with active licenses in good standing from other jurisdictions, when their licensing requirements are substantially similar to New Hampshire’s. Applicable background checks and professional rules remain.

For prospective movers in licensed professions, that reform addresses a practical question: can I bring my skills here and get back to work?

Reducing those barriers makes it easier for people to put down roots, serve customers, and build a life in the Free State.

2012: Jury Rights Affirmed—and the Fight for Nullification

Liberty also depends on limits to what government can do.

Jury nullification—the jury’s power to acquit despite the law and evidence—is one such check. In 2012, New Hampshire enacted a law requiring courts to let criminal defendants inform jurors of their right to judge the facts and the application of the law to those facts. The state Supreme Court later interpreted the law narrowly: it did not establish a right to argue nullification or require a specific nullification instruction. That history records a legislative milestone and unfinished work.

Help write the next chapter

These accomplishments belong to the Granite Staters, Free Staters, legislators, advocates, organizations, and allies who helped achieve them.

The Free State Project brings liberty-minded people to New Hampshire, where they can join that work. Participants choose their own ways to contribute, from civic involvement and advocacy to businesses and community institutions.

For prospective movers, the collection offers two questions worth exploring: which of these freedoms would improve your life—and which future victories would you like to help achieve?

Browse by year or topic, follow the source links, and discover the growing record behind “Liberty in Our Lifetime.”