Liberty began here.
| The Porcupine Post Newsletter Sunday, January 4, 2026 |
| —A new year begins in the Free State.2026 isn’t just a normal year. It’s the 250th anniversary of our American revolution for liberty.Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post newsletter:Where the Revolution Began – Here in New Hampshire, we begin celebrating the 1776 revolution six months before everyone else. Learn why and join Free Staters for a celebration this Tuesday! Build Freedom at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum — This week, we are excited to announce that NH House Majority Leader Jason Osborne will join us as one of our main stage speakers. A Porcupine Patron Update — We exceeded our end-of-year patron goal, with 280 patrons. Now, will you help us start the new year strong? These weekly FSP newsletters are often long because a lot is happening. Treat it like a Sunday paper and skip ahead to whatever interests you. If you only click one thing this week, make it the NH 250 Independence Day RSVP below. |
| Where the Revolution Began |
| January 5, 1776.Six months before the other colonies got around to signing the Declaration of Independence, New Hampshire had already declared its own independence.At the time, public opinion was still deeply divided across the thirteen: many still hoped for reconciliation with the British monarchy.But New Hampshire never waits for others to lead on liberty — declaring itself the first Free State in America with its own written constitution.The example set here laid the groundwork for all that was to come on July 4 and the war that followed for liberty in the thirteen “free and independent” states.That’s why we say, “The Revolution began in New Hampshire.” |
| The day after the official anniversary — Tuesday, January 6 — join our friends at AFP-NH to kick off a year of liberty with a celebration of NH’s 250th Independence Day.Dive into NH history & liberty with fun activities:Enjoy live traditional tavern music,Grab a limited-edition first-come first-served AFP NH 250 Tricorn Hat,Sign a new Declaration of NH Independence board,And much more!The evening will feature an inspiring panel on the 250th anniversaries of both New Hampshire’s and America’s independence, exploring what liberty truly means today.Dinner and a drink will be provided by AFP-NH! |
| When: January 6th, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PMWhere: Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St, Sandown, NH 03873 CLICK HERE TO RSVP. |
| Be sure to check our new FSP introduction video: “Live Free or Die — Start your Journey with the Free State Project.” Thank you to FSP Video Strategist Reinita Susman. |
| Rep. Jason Osborne to Speak at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum |
| Let’s Build Freedom.We are just over two months away from the 2026 New Hampshire Liberty Forum — March 5-8, 2026 — at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH.This is a conference for those actively building solutions for a future grounded in individual human liberty.Thank you for being an email subscriber. Please use discount code “PorcPost” to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum. |
| Like last year, we will be running two tracks of content at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum:“Build Freedom” Main Stage Series – short-form talks and panels for a large audience; “Liberty In Practice” Dialogue Series – eight small group deep-dives (limited to 25 participants each), led by respected freedom builders with topics ranging from raising the next generation to the practical steps necessary for interstate secession. |
| In addition to speakers already announced, we’re excited to announce NH House Majority Leader Jason Osborne will join us to speak from the main stage at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum! As one of the most influential figures in the New Hampshire House, Majority Leader Osborne has been a driving force behind significant liberty victories — including the expansion of school choice, the protection of gun rights, and the advancement of economic freedom.In a recent love letter from one of our anti-FSP detractors in the NH House Democrat caucus, Rep. Osborne was described in this way: |
| “At the top of this power structure stands House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, one of the most dominant leaders in recent memory… His authority, built through party discipline and the Free State network, ensures that a small, ideologically rigid minority can dictate the direction of our entire state. This bloc has had a sweeping impact on legislation in both the House and Senate.” |
| A Free Stater and longtime ally of our movement, Jason brings real-world experience leading the majority caucus and turning ideas into law. His remarks will offer an insider perspective on how we can continue building freedom in New Hampshire by removing government obstacles that stand in the way of builders and innovators. There will be plenty more announcements ahead on the 2026 NH Liberty Forum, so keep reading this weekly newsletter.Remember to use discount code “PorcPost” to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum. |
| Thank You to Our Outreach Volunteers! |
| With the launch of our Outreach program in the second half of 2025, Free Staters have made hundreds of new contacts with liberty lovers across New England.I want to personally thank and acknowledge our Outreach volunteers! |
| At the FSP, our job is fishing for people — those who share liberty values and want to live free. Here is exactly how we do it:The more people learn, the more they connect.The more people connect, the more they visit.The more people visit, the more they move. The more people move, the more they build.The more people build, the faster liberty wins.As a small non-profit, our efforts at every stage are powered by volunteers — and we need more of them.You can volunteer from here in the Free State of New Hampshire or anywhere in the country.Click here to sign-up as an FSP volunteer. |
| 280 Patrons Goal Reached for Year’s End |
| If you believe in our mission for 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” — outreaching and inviting new movers to join us in the Free State.Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.We reached 280 patrons by the end of 2025 — and we need to keep the momentum going in 2026. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a $10/month Porcupine Patron (or at a higher tier), this is the week I’d be especially grateful if you did.As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations to the Free State Project are 100% tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars and many forms of cryptocurrency.Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron? |
 Porcupine Patron Pin. In addition to other fantastic benefits, every Porcupine Patron of the Free State Project receives this “Porcupine Patron Pin.” These pins are not just for show! Patron pins grant access to exclusive perks at all FSP events, including VIP rooms, patron-only events, and courtesy drink tickets. Click here to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project. |
| 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, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose. For Liberty! Hon. Eric Brakey Executive Director Free State Project |
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| MARK YOUR CALENDAR! |
| Want to Build a Porcupine Theme Weekend?Dennis Pratt, Owner of the Independence Inn, is seeking participants and organizers for Porcupine Theme Weekends throughout 2026.Please email him — DennisGPratt@gmail.com — if you would be interested in participating or helping build a theme weekend for liberty lovers regarding any of the following interests. Musicians: Playing music togetherGamers: Playing tabletop gamesCouples: Natalism / BirthingPoliticians: Winning political officeHistorians: Celebrating the Pine Tree RiotMarksmanship2nd Amendment: Shooting gunsFamily Freedom: Raising a free family your wayTom Woods Cruise: Pre GatheringSailors: Tall ship schoonerMedical WorkersTheatre WorkshopsOther ideas are also welcome. |
| Recurring Free State EventsNew Mover Potluck Parties! Manchester – First FridayUpper Valley – First SaturdaySeacoast – Third Sunday North Country – Third SaturdayLocal Meetups!Bedford – Weekly, TuesdaysPlymouth – Semi-Monthly, second and fourth WednesdaysSeacoast – Weekly, Thursdays (changes town) Upper Valley – Monthly, fourth TuesdayNashua – Weekly, SundaysGilford – Monthly, third Saturday Ossipee – Semi-Monthly, second Sunday and third Tuesday Madison – Monthly, second Saturday Grafton – Monthly, second SaturdayKeene – Weekly, SundaysThis 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. |
| Free State Voices |
| Porcupine Report #94: “The Free State Documentary” with Reinita SusmanEric sits down with documentary filmmaker Reinita Susman to talk about her path to New Hampshire and the spark behind her documentary, FREE STATE. She shares how living in California during the COVID era pushed her to start capturing the real stories of people impacted by lockdowns.The conversation centers on her multi-episode project exploring the Free State movement through the lives of homesteaders, entrepreneurs, homeschoolers, and liberty-minded activists. Through featured clips, they dig into ideas like alternative money, decentralization, and the strength that comes from building community with people who share your values. They show how New Hampshire’s culture of freedom and fellowship became a refuge during a time of crisis—and why it continues to draw people looking for a freer, more intentional way of life. Watch the full episode of the Porcupine Report! |
| We will continue building the Free State in New Hampshire! Click to watch the full clip. |
| WGME: New Hampshire to end annual vehicle inspections in January 7 News: New Hampshire hit by 2.1 magnitude earthquakeWMUR9: “First Day Hikes” take place in New HampshireSeacoastonline: New Hampshire anti-sanctuary city laws go into effect Jan. 1 |
| Sights in the Free State |
 Photo credit: Karen Lean |
 Photo credit: Wholesome New Hampshire |
 Photo credit: Lake Winnipesaukee |
| Some Upcoming Events |
| Monday, Jan 5thLondonderry, 6pm-8 – Liberty & Cigar Meetup – Come on up for liberty and cigars monthly meetup! Hosted by Sarah Faber. (Twins Smoke Shop & 7-20-4 Lounge, 80 Perkins Rd, Londonderry) Exeter, 6pm-9 – The First Liberty State (Monday Manumission) – This Monday’s Manumission is the 250th anniversary – to the day – of the first American constitution. We’ll meet to witness the uncovering of this first American constitution. So inspired, we will thereafter retire to Margarita’s (93 Portsmouth Ave, Exeter) to eat, drink, and conspire. Hosted by Dennis Pratt. (Exeter Town Hall, 10 Front St, Exeter) Tuesday, Jan 6thBedford, 4pm-8 – Taproom Tuesday at Murphy’s Carriage House – Come meet fellow liberty lovers at our weekly event! $5 drafts & wine and $10 cocktails & appetizers for $10 all night! Please invite others! Hosted by Bill & Gail. (Murphy’s Taproom & Carriage House, 393 State Rte 101, Bedford) Henniker, 5:30pm-7:30 – Men’s Circle – A monthly gathering of brothers, fathers, and sons, sharing counsel through new and ancient experiences. $11 donation requested; sign up online or pay at the event. Hosted by Alex Konsevick. (Rooted Free, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker) Sandown, 6pm-8:30 – Live Free 250: Celebrating NH’s Independence – Dive into NH history & liberty with fun interactive tables and activities, enjoy live traditional tavern music, grab a limited-edition custom AFP NH 250 Tricorn Hat, sign a new Declaration of NH Independence board, and much more. Dinner and a drink will be provided by AFP-NH. GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Hosted by Derek Proulx. (Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St, Sandown) Wednesday, Jan 7thRollinsford, 7pm-9 – Workshop Night – Bring your project to work on. This is a great opportunity to launch an entrepreneurial venture with your peers, get consults on a project, or use the resources at the Shell. Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford, Unit B10) YouTube, 7pm-8 – FSP Porcupine Report – Free State Project Executive Director Eric Brakey sits down every week to interview the movers and shakers of New Hampshire. Join us on YouTube! Hosted by Eric Brakey.Thursday, Jan 8thExeter 6pm-9 – Exeter Liberty Outreach Meetup – The goal of these meetups is to provide a place for those interested in the philosophy of liberty to learn more and get involved in our vibrant community of families, entrepreneurs, and activists. It’s all about good ideas, good people, and good eats. So come on down! Hosted by Jenny & Brian. (Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 93 Portsmouth Ave, Exeter) Saturday, Jan 10thBarrington, 1:30-2:30 – Seacoast Firearms Meetup – Meet up and shoot at Renaissance Arms indoor range in Barrington. Range fees and ammo are the responsibility of each participant. Hosted by Jeff Russo. (Renaissance Firearms, 55 Calef Hwy, Barrington)Madison, 4pm-6 – Carroll County Freedom Potluck – A monthly meet-up is in your area, so come on up and say hi! Please RSVP to mdj@freestatefiles.com for directions or call our landline 603 367 7257 and indicate that you’re with the FSP. Hosted by Mark & Michelle. Grafton, 4pm-7 – Grafton Potluck – Monthly potluck for friends of liberty, i.e., Free Staters and friends, that meets monthly. Call Rich at 619.305.5172 for an address. Henniker, 5pm-6:45 – Community Circle – Gathering in community is a practice as old as time, and one that is needed now more than ever, in this age of digital communications. And so, we hold space every month for in-person connection. $20 suggested donation. Hosted by Lauren Noone. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker) Sunday, Jan 11thBarrington, 9am-1pm – WDL -NH New Shooters Shoot – Women Only Environment – New Shooters Shoot – for women who have never touched a firearm or those who want a quick refresher class on safety and shooting. All attendees must register ahead of time as the classes fill up very quickly and we have a limited number of seats we can fill. If you are an existing member of the League, email events@wdlnh.org for registration – the New Shooters Shoot is FREE to members. Hosted by the Women’s Defense League. (Renaissance Firearms, 55 Calef Hwy, Barrington) Barrington, 9:30am-10:30 – WDL-NH Shoot with the Girls! Happy New Year! – Come get some training with fellow League members and our instructors as we ring in the New Year with a bang!!! You must email events@wdlnh.org to register for the shoot so we know how many members will be coming! This is members only shoot! (Renaissance Firearms, 55 Calef Hwy, Barrington) Ossipee, 12pm-2 – Ossipee Porcupines Meetup – Come meet your neighbors at Harley Jacks for lunch with mountain views. We’ll be sharing how we’re living free and what practical efforts we want to try to keep increasing liberty in the east of the Free State! Hosted by Tim Bauman. (Harley Jacks Burgers & Brews, 1020 NH-16, Ossipee) Concord, 12pm-10 – The Agora “One Year of the Agora” – “The Agora” is a private event where folks are free to voluntarily trade and barter, host workshops, presentations, listen to music, play games, or just socialize with their community. Think of this as a community coming together to break bread much like a family would, because ultimately we are one big liberty family! THIS MONTH: We celebrate the birthday of the Agora! We will be having cake and celebrating 1 year of this successful event. During the last hour of the event we will be going over plans for the next one and the themes of the Agora for the year of 2026. Bring your thinking cap! Hosted by Dylan. (the Prickle, 74 Curtisville Rd, Concord) |
| Remember that this is only a partial list.For all FSP events and more details on those highlighted here, be sure to check out the NH Liberty Calendar. |
