Every New Mover Is a Victory.
| The Porcupine Post Newsletter Tuesday, April 7, 2026 Hon. Eric Brakey Free State Project, Executive Director As spring colors emerge, a new season has begun in the Free State of New Hampshire. Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post: Welcome to the Free State — Through welcome wagons and potlucks, we continue welcoming new movers to New Hampshire. An Era-Defining Leader Steps Down — Our President Emeritus announces her decision to step down from the FSP Board of Directors after seventeen years of leadership. Visit this Spring and Summer — Come see what we’re building in the Free State. An Update on PorcFest — Your advice is appreciated as leadership changes hands for this June’s freedom festival. A Porcupine Patron Update — Thank you to the now over 300 Porcupine Patrons that fund our year-round mission. 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! Welcome to the Free State!  This week, we welcomed Benjy (center) and his wife, Crystal (holding the camera), to their new apartment in the Freecoast of New Hampshire. Thank you to “Welcome Wagon” volunteers Jeff, Steve, and Gaston (pictured left to right, following Director Brakey). At the end of the day, we are in the moving business. These last 23 years, the Free State Project has helped thousands of liberty lovers make the move to New Hampshire. Through their own initiatives, Free State movers have reinforced and restored the “Live Free or Die” spirit — establishing the #1 state for freedom in North America. Last Thursday, we held a “Welcome Wagon” for Benjy and Crystal in the Freecoast, making the move from Minnesota into their new Dover apartment. While they had already unloaded many smaller items, the sofa remained a big challenge that took many hands to bring off the U-Haul and squeeze into a small elevator. (Thank you to Gaston for figuring out optimal sofa positioning.)  During an outreach trip to Wisconsin, I met Benjy and Crystal at an after-party following a live recording of the “We’re Not Wrong” podcast. (2024) Actually, this was my second time meeting Benjy and Crystal. Two years ago (while in Milwaukee for a certain political convention), I met the couple at an after-party, following the live recording of one of Andrew Heaton’s many podcasts.At the time, they told me they were planning a move, but had not yet decided on New Hampshire.Over the next two years, they followed the path to the Free State by connecting with communities online, including our growing Porcupine Patron community; visiting to see for themselves, including a stop by last year’s Porcupine Freedom Festival; and then moving to New Hampshire to build their lives here together. After all was settled, I gave them a short tour of downtown Dover and asked them, “What convinced you to make the move?” They told me, “The Free State community.”  Welcome home to Benjy and Crystal!Every new mover is a victory.Whether you moved recently or many moons ago, if you haven’t yet engaged with Free State communities, be sure to visit one of the community potlucks held monthly across the state.At this month’s “New Mover Potluck” at the Quill, we welcomed four new movers who introduced themselves for the first time.  New Movers Potluck. This week, we welcomed four new movers at the Quill liberty clubhouse in Manchester.An Era-Defining Leader Steps Down  There are many ways to describe Carla Gericke. Early mover. Legal trailblazer. Freedom activist. Threshold leader. Festival pioneer. Essential spokesperson. After 17 years of leadership, we all thank Carla Gericke as she steps down as Chair of the FSP Board of Directors. On a personal note, Carla’s guidance over these last two years has been invaluable. When I first arrived in New Hampshire to direct the FSP, I told Carla I might need some training wheels as I got up to speed on the community and mission we are building together. As she transitions to new projects in the Free State, I hope Carla remains generous with advice and look forward to what she does next. Read this week’s announcement and celebration of Carla Gericke’s record of achievement for the Free State Project. Reasons to Visit New Hampshire  Their Porcupine Vacation. Visitors from the Pacific Northwest, Ryan and Noel, bumped into me in a Dover cafe while exploring the Free State. Before you move, come for a visit.Yesterday, while drafting this newsletter at Breakaway Cafe in Dover, I was approached by a couple who recognized me from the Porcupine Report podcast.As it turns out, Ryan and Noel are visitors from the Pacific Northwest — staying this week at the Independence Inn and exploring the Free State on a Porcupine Vacation.They asked me about the different regions and communities of the Free State. In turn, I asked where they first learned about the Free State Project. (Ryan told me, “The Tom Woods Show.”)I wish them well as they explore the Free State on their Porcupine Vacation — and if you don’t live in New Hampshire, I hope you come for a visit too! Plan Your Porcupine VacationBe sure to check out our friends at the Independence Inn — and ask about a “Porcupine Vacation” for up to 50% off your stay.Free Stater owned and operated, the Independence Inn mission includes helping more 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, all within a one-hour drive.The Independence Inn is a sponsor of the Porcupine Post newsletter and Porcupine Report podcast. Check out our “NH Liberty Calendar” to find countless reasons to visit any week of the year. NH Liberty Calendar For reasons to visit, there is so much happening in the Free State. I cannot list everything here, but I want to highlight several upcoming events this spring and summer — organized by Free Staters and friends of the Free State. April 2026 254 years ago in Weare, NH, a few dozen men effectively started the American Revolution with the first organized act of rebellion against the crown. On April 18th, join our friends at Americans for Prosperity – New Hampshire for a celebration of the anniversary of this rebellion, along with our nation’s 250th year of independence!Attendees of all ages are welcome, but no dogs are allowed. Click here to RSVP and for more details. July 2026 The third annual FreedomPalooza at Chris & Jennifer’s farm will be bigger than ever! Live music, workshops, talks, beer, camping, and more! If camping on a farm in northern NH while hanging out with old and new friends, debating politics, attending homesteading workshops and homeschooling talks, drinking locally crafted beer, watching kids explore nature, and listening to awesome live music sounds like a good time, then you have found your favorite event of the year! FreedomPalooza started as a weekend celebration of good music and is expanding this year to more days, more activities, more campfires, and more fun that you don’t want to miss! Space is limited, so be sure to get tickets before they sell out! August 2026 Free Staters are setting sail aboard the Tom Woods Cruise this August 22 – 29. Hosted by Friend of the Free State, Tom Woods, this cruise will depart from Boston, Massachusetts — sailing up the New England and Canadian coastlines with a journey down the St. Laurence River — and make its final port of call in Quebec City. Included in this cruise:Large-scale games, hosted by Tom, that have everyone in stitches.No boring lectures on the Nonaggression Principle — instead, great talks from Scott Horton, Clint Russell, and others.Delicious dinners with friends you haven’t met yet.Exciting excursions on shore with Tom Woods.While this cruise will not stop in New Hampshire, this is a wonderful opportunity for Free Staters to mix with outside liberty lovers (who could become future Free Staters, like Tom Woods himself).I will be aboard, along with Chris Lopez (FSP Engagement Director) and other participants from the Free State community. We hope to spend the week with you at sea! Click here for more information and to register for the Tom Woods Cruise. 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.Seeking your Advice on PorcFest With our lead producer for PorcFest, Carla Gericke, taking a step back from active projects, I would benefit from your input and advice. I will be making some executive decisions about this year’s Porcupine Freedom Festival, currently scheduled for June 21-28.Out of necessity, we have adapted the PorcFest model this year to a fully decentralized vision — spread across the entire state of New Hampshire with participating venues producing and hosting their own events and activities.Several venues are already building exciting plans, while others are still adapting to this new model on a short timeline.As we move forward, I’ll be making some key decisions about how best to shape this year’s PorcFest. If you have thoughts to share, please hit reply to this email and let me know. Thank you to our Porcupine 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. 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  MARK YOUR CALENDAR! 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.NH Liberty Calendar Free State VoicesPorcupine Report #106: “The Biotech Revolution” with Ian Huyett. Eric talks with Ian Huyett, a lobbyist and legal advocate working at the intersection of biotechnology, law, and public policy in New Hampshire. The discussion explores how the state is uniquely positioned to become a national leader in experimental biotech, thanks to its proximity to Boston, its flexible legal environment, and its culture of political innovation. Huyett breaks down the concept of “biotech freedom,” including right-to-try laws that allow patients greater access to experimental treatments while reducing regulatory barriers.The conversation also touches on the broader vision of building a thriving, competitive economy rooted in individual liberty and scientific advancement. Through both policy insight and big-picture thinking, the episode paints a compelling picture of New Hampshire as a potential hub for the next wave of medical innovation.Click to watch the full episode. 2026 NH Liberty Forum. Be sure to check out our recently released videos of presentations that took place at this conference for freedom builders. Across FSP social media, we are publishing one video each day until all content is released. Click here for all LF26 videos.  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. News from the Free State NH Bulletin: Ayotte signs bill barring use of student IDs to vote Yahoo! Finance: New Hampshire Plans $100M Bitcoin-Backed Bonds WMUR: New Hampshire companies power Artemis II mission around the moon Seacoastonline: New Hampshire’s oldest museum opened over 200 years ago. How to visit Valley News: Column: Celebrating the impact of community colleges NHPR: These dogs were on the hunt in Concord … for Easter eggs NHPR: New Hampshire names education cyber director as new state CISO Center Square: Republican PAC pumps $17M into New Hampshire Senate race WMUR: NH secretary of state says feds cannot “usurp New Hampshire’s authority to run elections” WOKQ: Coziest Places in New Hampshire to Relax, Read, and Unplug Upcoming Events Monday, April 6thLondonderry, 6pm-8 – Liberty & Cigar Meetup – Come on up for liberty and cigars monthly meetup! Hosted by Duk Winans. (Twins Smoke Shop & 7-20-4 Lounge, 80 Perkins Rd, Londonderry) Tuesday, April 7thBedford, 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) Wednesday, April 8thLancaster, 8:30am-10:30 – North Country US History Course for Homeschoolers – 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). Hosted by Rep Calvin Beaulier. (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster) Seabrook, 6pm-8 – AFP-NH Pints & Policy Power up NH: More Energy, Lower Costs – Join Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire for an energizing event focused on unleashing reliable, affordable energy for Granite Staters! Dinner and a drink will be provided by AFP-NH! RSVP TODAY! Hosted by Sarah Scott. (Chop Shop Pub, 920 Lafayette Rd, Seabrook) 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, April 9thExeter 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) 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, April 10thHillsboro, 10am-12pm – Muddy Buddies – Join us for sensory-rich, curiosity-led outdoor play centered around our one-of-a-kind mud kitchen playscape. Connect with a warm community of parents while the little ones stir, scoop, squish and splash to their hearts’ content. Year-round, all weather. $20/child suggested exchange. Hosted by Lauren. (Rooted Free, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker) Manchester, 12pm-1 – Liberty Power Hour – a new weekly NHLA event built for serious liberty activists and legislators who want real briefings and real action, not fluff. Networking and organizing every week to effectively advance freedom in NH. Lunch provided by AFP, please RSVP for ordering purposes. Hosted by Pedro & Shawn. (AFP Office, 8025 S. Willow, Manchester) Manchester, 7pm-10 – Quill Movie Night – This month featuring the documentary the Age of Disclosure. The Age of Disclosure is an explosive and unprecedented documentary that reveals an 80-year global cover-up of non-human intelligent life and a secret war among major nations to reverse-engineer advanced technology of non-human origin. Featuring testimony from 34 U.S. Government, military, and intelligence community insiders, the film exposes the profound stakes for the future of humanity. Hosted by Gavin. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) Saturday, April 11thManchester, 11am-2pm – Pine Tree Radio Society – The Pine Tree Radio Society is building an emergency communications network covering all of New Hampshire. Please come and learn more! Hosted by Jack Shimek. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) 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. Sunday, April 12thLitchfield, 8:30am-12:30pm – 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. (Londonderry Fish & Game Club, 5 Lund St, Litchfield) 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-8 – The Agora “Spring Seed Sowing” – I ordered a bunch of seeds so we can beautify the local trail at the agora this month! Come on by for the event and host an activity of your own, vend, host a presentation, etc! The agora really just is a monthly gathering of liberty folk central to the state. All of my friends, acquaintances, and liberty people I haven’t met are welcome! Hosted by Dylan. (the Prickle, 74 Curtisville Rd, Concord) Follow us for more updates |
