Free Staters are different.

Free Staters are builders.Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post:A Culture of Building — Over a generationof migration and concentration, the Free Staters of New Hampshire have created a welcoming libertarian culture focused on accomplishment.

Build Freedom in 18 Days at the NH Liberty Forum — March 5-8, 2026 — First round of sponsors and exhibitors announced. Tickets ! (Discount Code: PorcPost)
A Porcupine Patron Update — Thank you to our 290 Porcupine Patrons. 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.

What Makes Free Staters Different?

Have you heard that joke: “There is only one real libertarian.”It’s a running joke in libertarian circles about ideological purity spirals, but have you ever noticed that there is no parallel joke about Free Staters?Forgive my indulgence, leading this week’s newsletter with some personal reflections, but I believe that understanding this explains why the Free State movement is successful, while the national libertarian movement consistently struggles to make real world advances.To paraphrase Andrew Heaton’s remarks at the 2025 NH Liberty Forum and his book, “Tribalism is Dumb:”All humans exist in relationship to tribes.All humans desire status within their tribes. Two of the primary paths for tribal status are prestige and purity.
Prestige is status gained through boons for the tribe. Purity is status for maintaining the tribe’s laws and customs.

For the last fifty years, the national Libertarian Party (LP) strategy has struggled to achieve lasting wins.Frankly, it is a strategy that cannot win under the national political system, as laws are currently written. That is why its accomplishments tend to plateau at maintaining ballot access (in elections still mathematically designed to ensure their candidates can’t win).With so little opportunity for accomplishment, the leaders of this strategy can only distinguish themselves through moral and philosophical purity, pushing the culture toward purity spiral.Meanwhile, over the last quarter century since Jason Sorens’s original essay rejecting the national LP strategy in favor of a concentration strategy, many thousands of libertarians have made the move to a place where things of consequence can be accomplished.As a result, in the Free State of New Hampshire, we have built a libertarian culture around works and achievement — not philosophical purity.

Here, if you want to prove yourself, you go out and build something.You sign the statement of intent, declaring that you want to help build a society where the maximum role of government is protecting life, liberty and property.

“I hereby state my solemn intent to live in New Hampshire and 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.”The Free State Project Statement of Intent

After that, no one grills you on the finer points of Murray Rothbard versus Milton Friedman to decide if you are a “real Free Stater.” We simply ask you to be a good neighbor and build cool things to reinforce and expand liberty in the “Live Free or Die” state.That’s why individual Free Staters earn their reputations through laws repealed, lawsuits won, clubhouses established, businesses built, technologies pioneered, events produced, and families raised.

How does one become a real Free Stater? It takes just three steps.1. Sign the Statement of Intent2. Be a Good Neighbor 3. Build Liberty We are a community for liberty builders. Welcome to New Hampshire.

Build Freedom at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum!

Funny things can happen on your way to the forum… …but what wouldn’t be funny is missing out on the conference for freedom builders we are assembling this year.In 18 days, will we see you in Concord at the 2026 New Hampshire Liberty Forum?This March 5-8, we are assembling a conference for thought leaders and builders to discuss the practical ways we can build freedom, right here, right now.Please use discount code “PorcPost” to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.

In less than four weeks, we look forward to welcoming our speakers, facilitators, sponsors, exhibitors, and participants.On our Main Stage, we will hear from top freedom builders and thinkers from across New Hampshire and the country.

We will discuss how to build real freedom for real people in the realms of sound money, nuclear power, housing, healthcare, schooling, liberating political prisoners, ending forever wars, practical politics, and more.

In our Dialogue Room, eight facilitators will lead small group, deep-dive conversations into overcoming practical challenges on the road to putting liberty into practice.

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.)

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 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!

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 have reached 290 patrons. Can you help us reach 300?
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, 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?

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!

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.

NH Liberty Calendar

Free State Voices

The Porcupine Report w/ Eric Brakey – Ep. 99: “Build Freedom from the War Machine” with Scott HortonScott Horton joins the show to share insights from decades of reporting on U.S. foreign policy, the War on Terror, and America’s global military footprint. He explains how his books, interviews, and new Horton Academy are helping people better understand the true costs of endless war. Scott discusses his growing reach with mainstream audiences and why more Americans are questioning interventionism and media narratives. He and Eric explore New Hampshire’s Defend the Guard movement and the effort to restore constitutional limits on undeclared wars. Scott reflects on how antiwar principles shape a deeper understanding of liberty and the state. He closes by encouraging listeners to stay informed, support grassroots efforts, and help build real alternatives to the war machine.Click to watch the full episode.

The Independents w/ Carla Gericke – “Reputation, Security & Power — Confessions About Nonpublic Sessions”This week on The Independents, Carla Gericke cuts through the noise to reveal what’s actually happening in the Free State. We cover: Right-to-Know and government transparency battles; Upcoming bills that matter (and why); Secrecy vs. sunshine in public decision-making; Character auditing — what people’s projections really tell you; A surprising good-neighbor story (because community matters)

Politics isn’t just policy — it’s psychology, relationships, and the power structures shaping real lives. Politics is people. Two lessons to remember: (1) Unspoken expectations are premeditated resentments. (2) Accusations are often confessions. If you want a deeper look at NH legislation, real transparency issues, and how we live free in practice, subscribe and follow along.Click to watch the full episode.

Vermont Viewpoint – Eric Brakey, Executive Director of the Free State Project, breaks down New Hampshire’s efforts to gain territory from Maine, growing movements across the country of conservative leaning counties wanting to join neighboring states, and NH Liberty Forum in March.
Click to tune in!

News from the Free State

WMUR 9: New Hampshire AG: Vehicle inspection program suspended until further noticeValley News: Ayotte wants to bring more nuclear power to New Hampshire. How would that work?News from the states: Solar tax changes put aside in New Hampshire House, for now WMUR 9: Warming trend expected in New Hampshire through weekend, early next week WMUR 9: Dramatic lenticular clouds form in New Hampshire skiesWMUR 9: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket seen in New Hampshire sky after Florida launch early Friday morning

As Seen in the Free State

Some Upcoming Events

Monday, February 16thStrafford, 6pm-9 – Build; Don’t Bitch (You are the Power) – Every 3rd Monday of the month, Porcupines gather for “Build, Don’t Bitch” – an inspiring evening of sharing, planning, and celebrating building liberty-for-real. Discover new projects, hear about successes, learn who needs support, and get inspired to take action. And share your freedom or other life stories!! Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just starting out, come share your activities and consider helping someone else’s! Featured Speaker: Bob Qua. Founded by Spike Cohen, “You Are The Power” rallies volunteers and money to help people unjustly persecuted, coerced, or otherwise invaded by local governments. Bob is heading New Hampshire’s “Tiger Team” and recruiting volunteers to champion NH liberty causes. Help him with your ideas for starting this effort in New Hampshire. Hosted by Dennis Pratt. (Independence Inn, 6 Drake Hl Rd, Strafford)

Online, 8pm-9 – NH Exit Town Hall – Join us on Jitsi every third Monday of the month to discuss the latest on New Hampshire Independence! Hosted by Russell Kanning.

Online, 10pm-11 – Japanese Club – Join our weekly Discord call to practice Japanese…and swap anime recommendations. すべての日本語話者を歓迎します！元気な会話を楽しんでください。 Hosted by Yaro. (Discord)Tuesday, February 17thBedford, 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)

Ossipee, 6pm-8 – Carroll County Freedom Meetup – Open discussion and networking for people interested in foundational principles of New Hampshire and American Independence and ways to peacefully continue those traditions. Call Ted Krautmann at 603-986-4480 for address.Wednesday, February 18thLancaster, 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)

Merrimack, 6:30pm-8:30 – CryptoCanal Drinks – Merrimack – CryptoCanal is finally expanding across the pond to the New Hampshire USA tech hub! We host monthly meetups for both savvy devs and crypto-curious. Whether you have questions about crypto, need a co-founder for your startup, or just want to meet like-minded folks, you (and your family!) are welcome to come. GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Hosted by Joël Valenzuela⁩. (Able Ebeneezer Brewing Co, 31 Columbia Cir, Merrimack)

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 19thManchester, 4pm-6 – Sound Money – The goal of the group is to create a parallel economy in NH that transacts in Gold and Silver Payment. Currently offering bi-weekly Sound Money Business Networking designed to overcome Gresham’s law with quality referrals for business owners and sales professionals. Hosted by John Nelson. (1800 Elm St, Manchester, Second Floor Conference Room)

Rochester 6pm-9 – Rochester 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. It’s all about good ideas, good people, and good eats. So come on down! Hosted by Seamus Casey. (Revolution Taproom & Grill, 61 N Main St, Rochester)

Manchester, 6pm-11 – Arts & Crafts Club – Come join our new 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! Supervised children are welcome! Hosted by Lady Jane. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)

Friday, February 20thManchester, 6:30pm-7:30 – Manchester Monthly Shoot – Recurring every third Friday in Manchester! Regular rate is $25 per hour; use promo code #FSP5 for a $5 discount! Hosted by James. (Manchester Firing Line Range, 2540 Brown Ave, Manchester)

Manchester, 7pm-10 – Big Damn Movie Night – Join the crew for a cinematic romp through the heroic and the hopeful. Expect laughter and legendary lines. Bring snacks, bring friends, bring your inner hero… just don’t bring chatter once the lights go down. Join us. Members only. Normal guesting rules apply. Hosted by Gavin. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)Saturday, February 21stGilford, 12pm–1:30 – Lakes Region Porcupines – Come and meet up with your fellow Porcupines in the Lakes Region for Liberty, Laughter, and Local Fun every month on the third Saturday! Hosted by Rick Notkin. (El Tequila Restaurant, 1458 Lakeshore Rd Suite 5, Gilford)

Manchester, 2pm-5 – Manchester Marketplace – 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)Lancaster, 4pm-7 – North Country Monthly Potluck – Come join the North Country Porcupines for our monthly potluck! Bring a dish and spend some time reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Hosted by Staci Webb. (the ‘Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster)

Sunday, February 22ndManchester, 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)

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, 2pm-4 – Ice Skating – A family friendly public skating event. Only $5 per person! Hosted by Patrick. (JFK Memorial Coliseum, 303 Beech 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)

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, 88 Market St, Manchester)

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.