Spring Brings New Free Staters
| We welcome all liberty refugees from the authoritarian 49. Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post: Welcoming New Movers. As spring arrives, so too do the moving trucks of new Free Staters joining the fastest-growing regional libertarian community in the world. Free State Campaign School — This May 30, learn how to run a winning liberty campaign for local office. Click here for tickets. (Early bird pricing ends in three days.) Want to Run for Office? — Check out this Guide to Consider Running for State Representative from our friends at the NH Liberty Alliance. Have You Signed? Declare “I am a Free Stater!” when you sign the newly revised FSP Statement of Intent. True Decentralization for PorcFest XXIII. From Manchester to the North Country, more venues announce programming for this summer experiment in spontaneous order. Many Opportunities to Visit this Spring and Summer. Come see what we’re building in the Free State, including the FreedomPalooza music festival this July. A Porcupine Patron Update. Thank you to all 323 Porcupine Patrons that fund our year-round mission. Become a patron! Weekly FSP newsletters are long because a lot is happening. Skip ahead to whatever interests you. |
| New Movers Arrive with the Spring |
| As spring arrives in New Hampshire, so do new movers. This week, we are celebrating several newcomers who followed the path to the Free State: learning, connecting, visiting, and then moving. Ben from Oregon arrived this week in Manchester. He attended PorcFest last year and then returned in September for a second time (staying at the Independence Inn for a Porcupine Vacation). After two visits, Ben made up his mind to join the fastest-growing regional libertarian community in the world. While preparing to make the move, Ben even volunteered from a distance to help the FSP Tech Team launch of our new website last year. |
 Welcome Home Ben! This week, Mark Warden (FSP Board Member and NH State Representative) helped Ben unload his moving truck after arriving in Manchester, making the move from Oregon to the Free State. (Also pictured is Ben’s dad, Gordon, who helped him make the cross-country drive.) |
| The Quill’s monthly New Mover Potluck on Friday welcomed three new movers and several visitors. Perhaps it is a spring awakening, but this was one of the most well-attended potlucks I’ve attended in months. I will also add that the potluck dishes shared by community members were among the best I’ve experienced. Thank you to all who contributed! |
 New Mover Potluck. Tremendous turnout this month at the Quill as we welcomed three new movers and several visitors to the Free State. |
| Among the new movers who introduced themselves were Benjy and Krystal from Wisconsin. Benjy recently shared his mover story: |
| “I’ve lived in a fair number of states throughout the Midwest and West Coast, as well as my original homeland Slovenia, none of them particularly favorable toward liberty. In each case, I moved for school or work, but never because of the location’s intrinsic attractiveness to me, especially as a libertarian.”When I retired a couple of years ago and began relying on investments to generate income, it became imperative to move to a state without income tax. To that end my wife, Krystal, and I began traveling around to check out where we ought to next make our home. “While I have known about the FSP for years, it was a chance meeting with Eric Brakey in Milwaukee following a podcast recording that put the idea of moving to New Hampshire top of mind for me.“Last year we visited in the summer and traversed the length of the state, hiking in the White Mountains, attending PorcFest, and checking out as many towns as we could. We were sold and moved into an apartment on the beautiful Dover waterfront last month. “This is the first place I’ve lived where my presence feels intentional, where there is a community that shares my values and that is worth caring about. I am so happy to be here and to begin our next chapter. I hope that in my small way I can contribute to furthering the cause of liberty in New Hampshire.”Benjy from Wisconsin, May 3, 2026 |
 Welcome home, Benjy and Krystal! From the Badger State to the Porcupine State, thank you for joining us as we work to build liberty in our lifetimes. |
| On a personal note, my own family welcomed some new movers into our home this month — one from Georgia and one from Maine.Due to the number of legs they walk on, the FSP is not giving either of them mover numbers — but I assure you they love living in the Free State as much as anyone.Do you love liberty and your pets? You can join community Signal groups for “Free State Dog Lovers” and “Voluntarist Cats.” |
 Welcome home, Stoa and Yun! Our family adopted two puppies this past month, making the Free State feel more like home. Stoa (black puppy) was adopted from a local shelter after being sent up from Georgia. Yun (white puppy) was adopted from a shelter in Lewiston, Maine. Here we are out hiking in Rollinsford, NH on Monday (“May the Fourth be with You”), when they decided it wasn’t fair that they were the only ones leashed-up. |
| Be sure to watch our FSP introduction video: “Live Free or Die — Start your Journey with the Free State Project.” Thank you to FSP Video Strategist Reinita Susman. |
| Learn How to Win Local Elections |
| On May 30, join us in Manchester for the Free State Campaign School.Organized by Brent Tweed, (NH Liberty Forum Co-Producer) this is a perfect opportunity for politically active Free Staters and liberty-loving visitors to learn practical skills for winning elections.Early bird discounts expire in three days, so grab your tickets now.(Please note, in keeping with our non-profit status, this one-day campaign management school is offered for non-partisan and educational purposes.) |
 Back by Popular Demand. Last November, we hosted a “Free State Political Leadership School.” It was so popular and well-attended that we are bringing back the same instructor to teach a one-day class on campaign management. With election season in full swing, you don’t want to miss this. Grab your tickets. |
| Have You Declared Your Intent? |
| Weinvite all active and prospective Free Staters (movers, natives, and those intending to move) to sign the newly revised Statement of Intent.Affirm and declare, “I am a Free Stater!” |
| “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.” |
| When you sign the newly revised Free State Project Statement of Intent at FSP.org/Pledge, you:Declare that you are a Free Stater, Enable us to assign your Mover number or (newly established) Native Porcupine number, Update your contact information with the Free State Project, and Help us connect you with opportunities that match your interests. |
| Already signed years ago? Sign again and reaffirm your place in the story.Already a longtime New Hampshire resident? Sign anyway and claim your new Native Porcupine number!Sign today and we will mail you a free bumper sticker. |
| 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 NorthFest, hosted by the Pine Clubhouse. (Click here to join their Signal Group.) 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 — anytime between now and the beginning of the festival on June 21. (Any unclaimed refunds after that date will be considered a 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. (2) Organize with others on the Free State Forum. (3) Send me any promotional materials you would like featured by our weekly newsletters and social media channels. |
| 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 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. |
| 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! |
| August 2026 |
| Free Staters are setting sail aboard the Tom Woods Cruise this August 22 – 29. Click here for more information and to register for the Tom Woods Cruise. 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. Lawrence 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 to join our Free State Signal group for participants on the upcoming Tom Woods Cruise. |
| 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 323 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? |
 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! |
| Recurring Free State EventsNew Mover Potluck Parties! Manchester – First FridayNorth Country – Third SaturdayUpper Valley – First SaturdayLocal Meetups!Bedford – weekly, TuesdaysPlymouth – semi-monthly, WednesdaysSeacoast – weekly, Thursdays (changes town) Upper Valley – monthly, fourth TuesdayNashua – weekly, SundaysLakes – monthly, third Saturday Ossipee – monthly, second SundayMadison – Monthly, second Saturday and third TuesdayGrafton – Monthly, second SaturdayKeene – weekly, SundaysLower Valley – monthly, third FridayThis 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 HourOur 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, Manchester11:30 – 12:00, Networking & Lunch12:00, Meeting begins Click here to RSVP (for free lunch). |
 Oyfshtand 2026The Jewish Liberty Alliance is hosting Oyfshtand 2026 in Croydon, NH on May 31.They will commemorate the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising with basic pistol instruction, a potluck, and an open range with shooting at paper targets appropriate for the occasion.You are invited to join. |
| Free State Voices |
| Porcupine Report #111: “What is Libertarian Nationalism?” with Austin Petersen Austin Petersen joins Eric for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the liberty movement, challenging old assumptions about foreign policy, nationalism, immigration, and the role of government. Drawing from years in politics, media, and activism, Austin lays out his vision for what he calls “libertarian nationalism,” arguing for a movement rooted not just in freedom, but also in culture, responsibility, and national identity. The discussion dives into some of the biggest ideological fault lines inside libertarian circles, from intervention abroad to borders and the limits of the non-aggression principle. Austin brings a provocative perspective that challenges listeners to rethink some of libertarianism’s most deeply held assumptions, with respectful pushback from Eric.(Premieres tonight at 7:00 PM.) |
| The Independents: “They Called It ‘Settled Science.’ Now It’s a Criminal Case”T he Department of Justice indicted David Morens—a longtime senior advisor to Anthony Fauci—on charges including conspiracy and destroying federal records. Translation? The COVID narrative wasn’t just “messy science.” It was engineered. In this episode of The Independents, Carla breaks down how “settled science” was manufactured—from the Peter Daszak-orchestrated Lancet letter to the suppression of the lab-leak hypothesis, the targeting of dissenting scientists, and the media amplification that made questioning any of it seem insane. |
 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. |
| NHPR: State wins round in federal court over NH car inspections Concord Monitor: Judge rules NH not in contempt despite terminating car inspections contract Boston.com: On a tiny New Hampshire island, a 600-square-foot house for $338k. ‘It’s fully off the grid.’ My Champlain Valley: Lithium deposits in New Hampshire, Vermont could lead to ‘mineral independence”: USGS Concord Monitor: Only a handful of New Hampshire farms are as old as the nation. Their endurance has relied on adaptability Valley News: School Notes: Hanover High educator named New Hampshire Teacher of the Year semi-finalist Cabinet.com: Made in New Hampshire elevates local businesses, strengthens brand WMUR 9: New Hampshire brothers, dog rescued from sinking sailboat in Essex River Patch.com: Wind Gusts, Warmer Temperatures, And Then Rain In New Hampshire: This Week’s Weather Forecast Seacoast Online: New Hampshire has one of the country’s best NASCAR tracks, says USA TODAY Mass Live: New Hampshire city becomes first in state to allow public drinking WMUR: Meet the man searching for signs of Bigfoot in New Hampshire Concord Monitor: NH medical marijuana program added 2,100 new patients last year Valley News: NH students must show valid ID, not student card, to vote |
 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Fundraiser. Free State leaders Pedro, Jane, Olga and Jason (left to right) dress to impress at this week’s NH House GOP fundraiser. |
 A Free State is a Clean State. As Eric and Stoa continue picking up trash across Dover, economist Bob Murphy notes what happens when you litter in New Hampshire. |
| Upcoming Events |
| Wednesday, May 6thPlymouth, 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. (La Familia Mexican Bar & Grill, 588 Tenney Mountain Hwy, 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, May 7th Dover, 6pm-9 – Dover Liberty Outreach Meetup – Are you tired of big government? Just want to live free? You’ll be in good company at our weekly liberty meetups every Thursday night. 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. Hosted by Joël Valenzuela. (Thirsty Moose Tap House, 83 Washington St, Dover) 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, May 8th Hillsboro, 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) Saturday, May 9th Manchester, 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. Hosted by Gary Whitney. (210 Millbrook Rd, Grafton) Sunday, May 10th 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 – THIS MONTH: We are celebrating mothers day with a free craft, mothers and fathers bring your child to create a hand-paint flower. We provide a printed template illustrated by River Barker and acrylic paint, and you stamp your child’s hand in the paint and stamp it on the print. Then once it dries you can take it home and have a cute memory of your child’s hands frozen in time! Every month you can play a board game with loved ones, gather around the bonfire if weather permits, or otherwise do an activity together (Maybe bring a football or frisbee). This will just depend on who feels like doing what at the time. Hosted by Dylan. (the Prickle, 74 Curtisville Rd, Concord) Candia, 1:15pm-3:15 – The Gruck a.k.a. Garnet Ruck – GRUCK: Granite Ruck. Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. It’s 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 you’re enthusiastic about. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, you’re welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia) 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) |
