11 Days Until Liberty Forum — Will You Be in the Room?
Sunday, February 22, 2026
| Hon. Eric Brakey Free State Project, Executive Director |
| We kick off in 11 days!This week’s newsletter is all about the 2026 New Hampshire Liberty Forum. I hope to meet you there.Hundreds of freedom builders will gather in Concord, NH to move liberty forward. Will you be in the room?(Don’t wait. Use code PorcPost to save 5%.) Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post:Tom Woods & Scott Horton to deliver keynote remarks at NH Liberty Forum 2026! — Both of these seasoned thinkers and practitioners of liberty will speak to strategies that actually work to restore liberty in our lifetimes. LF26 will Feature Talks, Panels, Workshops, and Dialogues for Building Freedom — Distinguished liberty builders (including Matt Kibbe, Jim Babka, Julia Cartwright, Jeremy Cordon, and Dr. Michael Ciampi) will discuss practical ways to overcome the obstacles on the road to a liberty-for-real society. VIP Pre-Registration Opens Tomorrow— VIP ticket holders: watch your inbox Monday. A Porcupine Patron Update — Thank you to the 292 Porcupine Patrons that fund our year-round mission. Can you help us reach 300? Become a patron!These weekly FSP newsletters are often long because a lot is happening in the Free State. Treat it like a Sunday paper and skip ahead to whatever interests you.PLEASE NOTE: Some email service providers (including Gmail) regularly cut these newsletters short. Be sure to click “View Entire Message” at the bottom to read the full Porcupine Post! |
| Tom Woods to Keynote Saturday LF26 VIP Dinner! |
| Tom Woods will be our Saturday VIP Dinner Keynote Speaker at the New Hampshire Liberty Forum 2026 (LF26)!Join us for an inspiring evening as Tom Woods — New York Times bestselling author, host of the hugely popular Tom Woods Show, and soon-to-be Free Stater — delivers the keynote remarks on the singular libertarian strategy that appears to be working here in New Hampshire.Please use discount code “PorcPost” to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum. |
| Tom Woods has been a significant intellectual influence for me since I joined the Ron Paul liberty movement fifteen years ago.His book “Meltdown” (2009) taught me all about the boom-bust business cycle (and why we should actually “End the Fed”). His book “Nullification” (2010) served as my personal handbook, throughout my years in the Maine Senate, for how to fight back against federal tyranny with the 10th Amendment.In fact, Tom Woods was the VIP Dinner Keynote Speaker at the 2013 New Hampshire Liberty Forum — the first one I ever attended.To wind back the clock, in 2013, NH Liberty Forum attendees were among the first to learn about the innovative new cryptocurrency called Bitcoin (then worth $13.30) from some of the leading techno-pioneers seeking to challenge the central bankers.His dinner remarks left a lasting impression on me.I can’t find video of that talk in our archives, but here’s a promo he recorded that year. |
| Watching that video reminded me how far our movement has come.He spoke to the comments of a statist legislator in 2013 who called Free Staters “the biggest threat to New Hampshire.”She even called for passing laws to “restrict the freedoms” of local people to create an “unwelcoming” environment and drive Free Staters away. Thirteen years later, there are more Free Staters than ever and NH is freer than ever.So tell me… who won that round?In case you didn’t know, Tom Woods isn’t just joining us for Liberty Forum this year — he’s moving to New Hampshire!After all the freedom building Free Staters have been doing in New Hampshire for the past generation, Tom Woods is planning his move with his family in the coming years.We discussed his love of New England on this week’s podcast. Catch him here first, then welcome Tom in person at Liberty Forum. |
| Porcupine Report #100: “Tom is Moving to New Hampshire!” with Tom WoodsOn this special 100th episode of the Porcupine Report, Eric welcomes back libertarian thinker and bestselling author Tom Woods for a wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation. Woods reflects on fatherhood, New England roots, and why there’s truly “no place like home”— especially when that home might be New Hampshire.Click to watch the full episode. |
| Scott Horton to Discuss War and Freedom at Friday Keynote! |
| Another good friend of the Free State is joining us for keynote remarks on Friday: Scott Horton (author of Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine).As New Hampshire leads the nation on Defend the Guard — advancing legislation to call home NH National Guard troops from undeclared foreign wars — Horton will address the forum on Friday on how state-level action can challenge the machinery of endless war. |
| Time Is Running Out! Grab your LF26 Tickets Today! |
| Seriously, please don’t wait.This week, we have to put in food orders for the delicious lunches (included with all tickets) — and the Saturday VIP Dinner with Tom Woods (included with VIP tickets).Please use discount code “PorcPost” to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum. |
 Last year’s NH Liberty Forum featured a Soho Forum Debate (moderated by Gene Epstein) between FSP Director Brakey and Andrew Heaton on the benefits of focusing political efforts on the state level, rather than the national level. |
| Engage with Freedom Builders! |
| Have you seen our full lineup of speakers this year? I have been working furiously all week to ensure our website is fully updated with details — including a full schedule — to help you make the most of this conference for freedom builders.As our speaker lineup settles into place, we have begun to announce our panel discussions for the LF26 Main Stage.They will cover topics including housing, technology, health, the future of money, and the value of successful and ongoing efforts to free libertarian political prisoners (like Ross Ulbricht, Roger Ver, and Ian Freeman). |
| On our Main Stage, we will hear from individuals from across New Hampshire and the country on practical topics for building freedom in the here and now.Only a few are included below. Click here to see all of our announced speakers for NH Liberty Forum 2026. |
| Dialogues will Deep Dive into Ideas for “Liberty in Practice” |
| Dialogues at Liberty Forum are designed to promote deeper exploration of practical ideas for liberty within small groups of thinkers and builders.This year, we are hosting eight limited-seating dialogues with expert facilitators. Check them out below.To maximize your experience at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum, I recommend that you plan to attend at least one dialogue session.(Pre-registration for dialogue sessions will open tomorrow (Monday, 2/23) exclusively for VIP ticket holders. Look for an email in your inbox.) |
| Many Opportunities to Build Freedom at Liberty Forum 2026 |
| Throughout the conference, you can interact with our sponsors and exhibitors — as well as take advantage of the amenities we offer to families and VIP participants. In our Welcome Hall, participants will engage with sponsors and exhibitors who are actively building freedom in the real world. In our Childcare Room, parents will be able to hire adults and teens to care for their young children during the conference. (FSP events are always family-friendly!) In our VIP Lounge, enjoy refreshments and conversation in a quiet and relaxed setting. (This room is restricted to VIP ticket holders, FSP Patrons, and forum speakers.) In our Media Room, podcasters and social media creators will conduct interviews with speakers and forum participants. |
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| Want to sponsor or exhibit? Act quickly! We still have limited opportunities open for sponsors and exhibitors. |
| NH Liberty Forum 2026 Porcupine Patron BenefitsPorcupine Patrons, All Levels: Receive complimentary access to the VIP Lounge (when wearing your Porcupine Patron Pin). Porcupine Patrons, Gold Level and Higher:You may redeem 2 complimentary tickets to Liberty Forum 2026. Reply to this email so we can confirm your patron status and register you for your tickets. Not a Patron yet?Why not? Join our Porcupine Patron program today! |
| 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. |
| Thank you to our Porcupine Patrons! |
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| 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.” 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’re 8 patrons away from 300. Will you be one of them? 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) 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? |
 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 FSP event perks, 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! |
| Join In for Upcoming Events at the SHELL!The SHELL Liberty Clubhouse in the New Hampshire Seacoast hosts regular events for Free State community building. Visiting the SHELL for the first time? Don’t get lost. Click here for directions to find the SHELL. |
| 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 |
| Save Our Schools: The Property Tax Revolt Starts Now | The IndependentsComing to you live from the Free State of New Hampshire — Carla Gericke is joined in-studio by constitutional scholar Daniel Richard (National Heritage Center for Constitutional Studies) for a deep dive into his citizen-led initiative Save Our Schools NH.Click to watch the full episode. |
| Voices of Liberty Podcast: In a clip from a conversation with Sean Themea on YAL’s new podcast, FSP Director Brakey explains why New Hampshire is “America’s #1 Freedom State!“Click to watch the clip. |
 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. |
| Defend The Guard: Hon. Eric Brakey (FSP Executive Director, speaking on his own behalf) reminds the NH Senate Finance Committee that Daniel Webster would want them to pass Defend the Guard. He urges them to recognize that our state has a duty to interpose and defend our guard units from deployment into undeclared forever wars. Click here to watch his testimony before the NH Senate Finance Committee! |
| POLITICO: New Hampshire’s GOP Gov. Kelly Ayotte draws her first major challengerConcord Monitor: State announces car inspections are not needed in New HampshireConcord Monitor: Scholars reflect on the enduring legacy of New Hampshire’s constitution, 250 years laterUnion Leader: Forest Journal: Seasonal Shifts: How New Hampshire wildlife endures the cold even in a changing climateUnion Leader: Manchester honors boy attacked by dogs and the police officers who saved him NH Bulletin: NH Senate committee approves child care workforce funding bill as House takes a different pathNH Bulletin: House shuts down effort to revive the death penalty in New Hampshirenhpr: Energy officials challenge regulatory decision on Eversource rates at NH Supreme CourtNH Bulletin: New Hampshire education funding is already adequate, Republican bill asserts |
| As Seen in the Free State |
 The Young Americans for Liberty chapter at the University of New Hampshire welcomed FSP Director Eric Brakey this week to talk about the Free State Project as a winning strategy and his personal journey in the liberty movement since the high days of Ron Paul. Eric gifted them with several copies of his new book: The Liberty Candidate’s Practical Guide to Door Knocking. |
 A perfect snowy walk. Photo by Miranda Animus. |
 “Proud to stand with these men of the Free State in support of Defend the Guard at today’s Senate hearing. The old guard voted it down immediately in committee 8-0, but we can still get a roll call vote in the NH Senate. That’s what we need this year: a Senate roll call. ” – Hon. Eric Brakey |
 Ducks in winter. Photo by Chris Lopez. |
 Taproom Tuesday in Bedford! |
| Some Upcoming Events |
| Monday, February 23rdRollinsford, 5:30pm-7:30 – Conspiracy Theory Group – Meets every fourth Monday. Join us at The SHELL to discuss the latest psyops and conspiracies with like-minded liberty lovers. Hosted by Nick Hubbard (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford)Tuesday, February 24thSeabrook, 8am-9 – Weekly Patriot Breakfast – A weekly social meeting of NH Patriots, think traditional Constitutional Republican. Hosted by Jude. (Linda’s Breakfast & Lunch Place, 920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook) Bedford, 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 all night! Please invite others! Hosted by Bill & Gail. (Murphy’s Taproom & Carriage House, 393 State Rte 101, Bedford) Lebanon 6-8pm – Liberty Tuesday – Meets every fourth Tuesday. Meet your liberty neighbors in the Upper Valley! We’ll be in the back by the arcade games. Hosted by Jody Underwood. (Ziggy’s Pizza, 254 N Plainfield Rd, West Lebanon) Manchester, 7:40pm-9:10 – First Fruits Ministries – Monthly on the last Tuesday. Please join us to learn more about the Scriptural, historical, cultural, contextual, and practical applications of the faith for living in the 21st Century. Hosted by Andrew Manuse. (First Fruits Ministries, 60 Bailey Ave, Manchester) Manchester, 8pm-10:30 – AFP-NH 2026 State of the Union Watch Party – Join Americans For Prosperity New Hampshire for an exciting watch party of the State of The Union address. As we await President Trump’s address, we’ll gather to discuss policies impacting our state and nation with fellow liberty activists & legislators. There’ll even be an open bar as well as a SOTU bingo with 3 fantastic prizes! Dinner & drinks provided. RSVP TODAY! Hosted by Derek Proulx. (AFP-NH Manchester Field Office, 8025 S Willow St, Suite 205, Manchester)Wednesday, February 25thLancaster, 8:30am-10:30 – North Country US History Class – Geared toward teenagers & adults, this United States History is a full survey course designed to help students think critically about history, engage with primary sources, and develop strong historical arguments. Free for The ‘Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Course taught by NH State Rep Calvin Beaulier. (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster) Plymouth, 6pm-8:30 – Pemi Valley Porcupines – Come on over and join us liberty lovers for dinner and conversation at our semi-monthly event. Hosted by Aubrey Freedman. (Last Chair Brewery & Restaurant, 5 NH-25, Plymouth) 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, February 26thSeabrook 6pm-8 – Seabrook Liberty Outreach Meetup – It’s all about good ideas, good people, and good eats. So come on down! Hosted by Joël Valenzuela. (Chop Shop Pub, 920 Lafayette Rd, Seabrook)Manchester, 6pm-8 – FSP Volunteer Party – This month the FSP volunteers will be stuffing bags for this year’s Liberty Forum! All of the supplies will be on hand and we need your help to get them prepared for the big event. Snacks provided! Hosted by Chris Lopez. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) Manchester, 6pm-11 – Arts & Crafts Club – Come join our weekly Art/crafting club! Bring your current project or just to hang out and talk to other makers. Byob and snacks to share if you like! We’ll be in the kids room during the volunteer party. Hosted by Lady Jane. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) Friday, February 27th6:30pm-10 – Religious Bitcoin/Crypto Meetup – Join us for a monthly meetup exploring the moral and spiritual dimensions of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Together, we’ll discuss how sound money principles align with religious values like stewardship, honesty, and justice. This gathering is open to all faith backgrounds and anyone interested in the ethical implications of a decentralized peaceful money standard. Almost one year active! Text Zephan for address (603)369-7729Saturday, February 28thLitchfield, 10am-1pm – WDL-NH Concealed Carry – So many members have questions about carrying concealed that we hold this class each year to help guide them in their self-defense journey. This is an interactive conversation where our instructors will answer any questions our members may have about carrying concealed. This is a free class for members only. Please email today to register. Concord, 12pm-3 – Baby & Toddler Clothing Swap – Come swap your too-small children’s clothing for the next size up! We welcome first time moms & usually have newborn supplies they can take home. If you don’t have clothes to donate, please bring a fruit or veg snack to share. Hosted by Mrs Kin. (the Prickle, 74 Curtisville Rd, Concord) Henniker, 5pm-6:30 – 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. $22 suggested donation. Hosted by Lauren Lou. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker) Rollinsford, 6pm-10 – Poker Night – Join Freecoasters for Poker at the Shell. Buy in is just $10 and we encourage you to bring snacks, BYOB. Donations to the Shell are appreciated! Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford) Sunday, March 1stManchester, 11am-2pm – Anarchist Book Club – We will be discussing They Thought They Were Free: The Germans 1933-1945 by Milton Mayer. This is an open event, so invite your friends! Hosted by Sam B. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) Rollinsford, 12pm-5 – Ice Cream Social – Stop by your favorite liberty community center for an ice cream social. Newcomers welcome! Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford) Rollinsford, 3pm-5 – Movie Night at the SHELL – This time we are watching “True Lies” from 1994 and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford) Manchester, 5pm-7:30 – Manchester Crypto Meetup – We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St, Manchester) Keene, 5pm-6 – Social Sunday – Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH’s longest-running activist social! Hosted by Chris Wade. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)Nashua, 6pm-8 – Nashua Liberty Social – Weekly Nashua Meet-Up – Location varies each week. This calendar event is typically updated by 2PM on Sunday. Meet-ups are generally within about a 10 minute drive of the downtown area. Hosted by Jeff Creem. |
| 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. |
