I Am a Free Stater. Are You?
The Porcupine Post Newsletter
Friday, April 24, 2026
Lake Winnipesaukee in spring. Photo by new mover, Ryan H.
Hon. Eric Brakey
Free State Project,ย Executive Director
Are you a Free Stater? Prove it.
Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post:
- “I Am A Free Stater!”ย – Are you? Declare your intent to build the Free State as we launch a new campaign and bring back the practice of assigning Mover Numbers.
- True Decentralization for PorcFest XXIII โย From Manchester to the North Country, more venues announce programming for this summer experiment in spontaneous order.
- Many Opportunities to Visit this Spring and Summerย โ Come see what weโre building in the Free State.
- A Porcupine Patron Update โย Thank you to our 321 Porcupine Patrons that fund our year-round mission. Can you help us reach 325?ย 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.
Declare Your Intent!
Live Free and Build Liberty
I am a Free Stater. Are you?
The Statement of Intent is the shared mission that defines participation in the Free State Project. Recently, we refined the statement for a new generation. This week, we are launching the “I Am a Free Stater” campaign.
Whether reaffirming your commitment or signing for the first time, we invite all Free Staters (movers, natives, and those intending to move) to sign the Statement of Intent to affirm and declare, “I am a Free Stater!”
Already signed years ago? Sign again and reaffirm your place in the story.
“I hereby state my solemn intent to (1) live in New Hampshire and (2) exert my fullest practical effort toward the creation of a society in which the maximum role of government is the protection of individual rights to life, liberty, and property.
“I am a Free Stater.“
No matter what our imaginative critics may claim, there is no central plan for the Free State Project beyond this: move here and build liberty. And yet, that simple plan has proven powerful enough to move granite.
Over the last twenty-three years, many thousands made the move after signing the Statement of Intent.
They planted roots and reinforced the “Live Free or Die” spirit of the state.
They continue shaping the politics and culture of NH, while building voluntary market solutions โ from cryptocurrencies to homeschool networks โ to replace statist models for society.
For many early movers, their FSP-issued “Mover Number” remains a point of pride. After triggering the move, however, the issuance of Mover Numbers fell out of wide practice (as did the Statement of Intent itself).
Traditions matter, and it is time to restore them as we continue building freedom.
We are restoring the issuance of Mover Numbers to all who sign the Statement of Intent and share their moving date. (All numbers issued based upon a move before February 3, 2021 will remain fixed.)
Additionally, native Free Staters โ those who lived here before October 2003 or were otherwise born in the Free State โ can sign to receive a “Native Porcupine Number.”
Going forward, on Porcupine Day each year, we will celebrate the growth of New Hampshire liberty communities and fix these numbers into the history of the Free State. So that’s why:
“I want you to sign the Free State Project Statement of Intent!”
Under this new campaign, we are doubling down on our mission โ outreaching, inviting, and welcoming to build the Free State here in New Hampshire!
PorcFest XXIII: Spontaneous Order
In two months, June 21-28, our 23rd annual Porcupine Freedom Festival is going fully decentralized. We are embracing an experiment in spontaneous order as Free State community venues prepare to host content and activities across every region of the state.
For Festival Attendees: Visit and explore the Free State for a week of community-organized events. (1) Register for your free festival ticket and (2) learn about events as they are scheduled at PorcFest.com. Please note that individual venues may charge and/or require registration for their events.
Here are a few of the events already scheduled:
– Family Freedom Field Day, hosted by Latitude Learning
– North Fest, hosted by the Pine Clubhouse
– Man Camp, hosted by Jay Noone at the Domes
– Ten Things You Can’t Understand ‘Til You Move Here, hosted by the Independence Inn
– It Takes a Quillage, hosted by the Quill Clubhouse
NOTE: If you purchased a ticket before our format change, you may contact PorcFest@FSP.org to request a full refund โ anytime between now and the beginning of the festival on June 21.ย (Any unclaimed refunds after that date will be considered aย donation to the Free State Project.)
For Participating Venues: We encourage you to use our digital infrastructure to help organize and promote your events. (1) Add your events to the PorcFest Calendar.ย (2) Organize with others onย the Free State Forum.ย (3) Send me any promotional materials you would like featured by our weekly newsletters and social media channels.
Visiting New Hampshire?
Be sure to check out theย Independence Inn (and ask about a “Porcupine Vacation”ย for up to 50% off your stay). Free Stater owned and operated, the Independence Inn seeks to help liberty lovers visit NH.ย Any week of the year,ย come for a visit. 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 our newsletter and podcast.)
More Reasons to Visit New Hampshire
PorcFest is not the only reason to visit the Free State. Free State communities and friends of the Free State are hosting events every single week of the year, so check out our “NH Liberty Calendar” to find countless reasons to visit. Additionally, read below for several events we are highlighting for the spring and summer.
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!ย
August 2026
Free Staters are setting sail aboard the Tom Woods Cruise this August 22 – 29.ย Hosted by Friend of the Free State, Tom Woods, this cruise will depart from Boston, Massachusetts โ sailing up the New England and Canadian coastlines with a journey down the St. Lawrence River โ and make its final port of call inย Quebec City. Included in this cruise:
- Large-scale games, hosted by Tom, that have everyone in stitches.
- No boring lectures on the Nonaggression Principle โ 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.
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.”ย Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our exclusive print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at FSP events. Our Porcupine Patron community is constantly growing. Currently, we have 321 active patrons. Can you help us reach 325?
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, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.
For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project
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)ย
- Upper Valley – monthly, fourth Tuesday
- Nashua – weekly, Sundays
- Lakes – monthly, third Saturdayย
- 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!ย 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
Have you ordered your copy yet?
FSP Director Eric Brakey published his first book โ 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.
News from the Free State
- NHPR:ย Homegrown NH: Which shrubs to prune now and whyย
- The Keene Sentinel:ย Bridge construction starts in downtown Jaffrey
- NHPR: Symphony NH finalist: Capturing the ‘quiet joy’ of being in New Hampshire woods
- NHPR:ย Cosmically Curious: Star light, star bright
- Valley News: Itโs tick season in New England. Hereโs how to stay safe.
- WMUR9: Viewers’ Choice 2026: Best bicycle shops in New Hampshire
- The Keene Sentinel: How to reduce wildfire risk this spring
- NHPR: Tiny homes, yurts explored by lawmakers as ‘innovative housing structures’ for NH
As Seen In the Free State
Upcoming Events
Friday, April 24th
- Manchester, 12pm-1ย –ย Liberty Power Hour –ย 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,ย please RSVPย for ordering purposes. Hosted by Pedro & Shawn. (AFP Office, 8025 S. Willow, Manchester)
- 6:30pm-10ย –ย Religious Bitcoin/Crypto Meetupย – 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)369-7729
Saturday, April 25th
- Manchester, 2pm-5ย –ย Manchester Marketplaceย – Join us for our monthly community market and farm share pick-up! Get some shopping done from your fav local porcupines #shoplibertylocal Hosted by Emily Smith. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
- Henniker, 5pm-6:45ย –ย Community Circleย – 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.ย $20 suggested donation. Hosted by Lauren Noone. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker)
- Henniker, 7pm-9ย –ย Ecstatic Danceย – Dance can be a modality to reach ecstasy, through movement alone (substance free event). Led by incredible facilitator Kaylan Look, in the magical setting of an historic barn on beautiful grounds. No skill necessary! Expect a transformational evening.ย $20 suggested donation.ย Hosted by Kaylan Look. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker)
Sunday, April 26th
- Litchfield, 9am-12pmย –ย WDL -NH Gun Cleaning Classย โ Members Only – This class will bring you through how to take apart your firearm, clean it properly and then put it back together! ย See our websiteย for information about how to become a member. Please register atย events@wdlnh.orgย as space is limited. Hosted by the Womenโs Defense League. (Londonderry Fish & Game Club, 5 Lund St, Litchfield)
- Manchester, 11am-2pmย –ย Anarchist Book Clubย – We will be discussingย Pranksters vs. Autocratsย by Sophia A. McClennen and Srฤa Popoviฤ. This is an open event, so invite your friends! Full detailsย on our site.ย Hosted by Sam B. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
- Litchfield, 1pm-4ย –ย WDL -NH Defensive Spray Trainingย – The Defensive Spray Training will teach women how to safely and accurately use pepper spray. ย The class is $25ย for members of the Leagueย and $30 for non-members. You will receive a student guide and will be able to purchase pepper spray at the class if you choose. You will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the class.ย Sign up Today!ย Hosted by the Womenโs Defense League. (Londonderry Fish & Game Club, 5 Lund St, Litchfield)
- Candia, 1:15pm-3:15ย –ย The Gruck a.k.a. Garnet Ruckย –ย GRUCK: Granite Ruck. Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. Itโs a low impact exercise based on military training workouts that improves cardio, strength, endurance, and character. This is a challenge by choice event, go as heavy or as far as youโre enthusiastic about. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, youโre welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
- Keene, 5pm-6ย – ย Social Sundayย – 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)
- Manchester, 5pm-7:30ย – ย Manchester Crypto Meetupย – Weโre 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, 88 Market St, Manchester)
- Nashua, 6pm-8ย –ย Nashua Liberty Socialย – 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.
