Not Just Politics Anymore
 Blue skies over Hampton Beach. Photo by Mahgdalen Rose. Isn’t the start of spring in New Hampshire wonderful?That blue sky means winter is over and sunny days lie ahead.Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post:Art and Culture in the Free State — The beauty of the most effective libertarian strategy ever employed is not just the ability to defeat statist institutions, but what we can build in their place. Outreach Money Bomb Success! — Thank you to all who contributed. PorcFest: The Next Generation — Free Staters are building a one-week Porcupine Freedom Festival this June so big that it will span the entire state of New Hampshire. Learn more and grab early-bird tickets. A Porcupine Patron Update — Thank you to the 303 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. Art and Culture in the Free State  Chris Lopez, FSP Welcome and Engagement Director, plays some original tunes at the Spring 2026 “Artsy Fartsy” event, hosted by the Quill Clubhouse.I used to think liberty was all about politics.The relief I feel here in New Hampshire reminds me of words from another New England patriot:“I must study Politicks and War that my sons may have liberty to study Mathematicks and Philosophy. My sons ought to study Mathematicks and Philosophy, Geography, natural History, Naval Architecture, navigation, Commerce and Agriculture, in order to give their Children a right to study Painting, Poetry, Musick, Architecture, Statuary, Tapestry and Porcelaine.”- John Adams, writing to his wife Abigail. (May 12, 1780.) The goal of “Liberty in our Lifetime” is not endless struggle — but what becomes possible when a restoration of liberty succeeds.Of course, all who seek to live free must be vigilant in preserving this. Freedom is always a fragile thing. One bad election cycle can wipe out a decade of victories. We benefit from the institutions within our movement that are politically focused on legislative and election seasons.(If you want to learn about running for office or affecting policy change, please explore the NH Liberty Alliance and Americans for Prosperity – NH, both regular sponsors and exhibitors at FSP events.)When I was 23, I walked away from a budding career in the performing arts to join the Ron Paul 2012 campaign. For the next dozen years, the politics of liberty carried me far away from all that. When you are engaged in a constant fight for the simple preservation of our personal and economic liberties, a lot of other values — like art and beauty — easily fall to the wayside.Over the last generation, however, in the Free State, “Live Free or Die” native Granite Staters and thousands of Free State movers have built a political environment where (contrary to the wisdom of Mark Twain) freedom generally expands each time the legislature is in session.As our Saturday keynote speaker at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum, Tom Woods (who is planning a future move to New Hampshire), spoke about the unique value that this libertarian concentration strategy has produced. It is worth a listen! There is such an expansive community and division of labor here in the Free State, among a decentralized network of long-standing, pro-liberty institutions.After a dozen years in liberty politics, I share what I’ve learned freely with others entering and fighting in the arena. That is why I published my recent guide to door knocking. (All proceeds benefit the Free State Project.)But what I love most about living in New Hampshire is the space to breathe free—and to explore a living culture of liberty: community, art, and technology, all at once. Visit any event and you will see.  During the recent “Granite Jam Session” at the SHELL Clubhouse, local and visiting liberty musicians play together. Click here to watch and hear their set of “White Rabbit.”Liberty club houses — like the Quill, the SHELL, and the Independence Inn — host regular events for liberty arts and culture year-round across the state. At the official FSP events — like PorcFest and the NH Liberty Forum — the fine arts of Free Staters on display.  Two leading volunteers for 2026 NH Liberty Forum auction — Karen and Donna — stand by the top-grossing item of the night. The oil on linen painting, “New House,” was painted in 2024 by Franklin Einspruch for his libertarian friends who are working hard to start lives, buy houses, get married, and otherwise establish themselves in New Hampshire. He told them to look at the painting and imagine the future. The winning bidder took home this painting for $1,250. All proceeds from the auction benefited the Free State Project.I even enjoy the occasional opportunity to return to a non-political stage.This past weekend, it was my personal joy to participate and share at the Spring 2026 “Artsy Fartsy” gathering at the Quill in Manchester.  “Artsy Fartsy” is a regular event hosted by the Quill Liberty Clubhouse, featuring artistic sharings — including music, theatre, and poetry — from local participants in the Free State community.  At last Saturday’s “Artsy Fartsy” event, I shared a few poems from my journal about my recently passed cat, who had briefly featured in some promotions for this February’s Porcupine Day celebration.  “That stretch of curiosity on my work desk,past the microphone and across the Apple, he smells the last drips of my hot coffee — or does he just believe in the flying porcupine in the sky?” Eric Brakey, February 23, 2026In New Hampshire, we aren’t just defeating statism and coercive actors.In the space created when state-imposed monopolies are defeated, Free State communities are building art, technology, and culture upon granite foundations of peace and voluntarism.Thank you to the political champions of liberty — and thank you to all the culture and community builders of the Free State. Visiting New Hampshire?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.Money Bomb Success!  This past Monday, we held a Digital Outreach Money Bomb.When Pedro, our FSP Outreach Director, told me the goal — raise $15,000 in a single day — to be honest, I worried it was too ambitious. Would our Free State community come through? When gas prices are so high and money printing continues eating away at the value of the dollar, people are hurting in their pocketbooks. While the “Free Haters” say otherwise, the truth is that our small nonprofit does not operate on large donations from a few billionaires. We depend on smaller contributions from hundreds of grassroots donors — for many of whom, even a $100 donation is a significant ask. Could we really raise $15,000 from our broad community of supporters in a single day?Well, we did it — smashing through and raising over $16,000.From all of us at the Free State Project, “Thank you!”As promised, 100% of dollars raised will go to targeted digital promotions and outreach to the outside liberty diaspora, inviting them to learn, connect, visit, move, and build in the Free State of New Hampshire.Since exceeding this goal, our team is working to finalize our plan to maximize the impact of these dollars. I will keep you in the loop on our digital outreach campaign as we move ahead. PorcFest: The Next GenerationIn less than 100 days, we are kicking off the 23rd annual Porcupine Freedom Festival.This year, PorcFest is hitting the road and taking place throughout the entire state of New Hampshire. This isn’t just a festival — it’s a living tour of the Free State in action. Watch and read below for PorcFest details from Carla, mark your calendar for June 21-28, and grab your tickets at fsp.org/PorcFest.PORCFEST XXIII: THE NEXT GENERATION From Summer Solstice, June 21 through June 28, 2026, PorcFest will take place across the Free State, with participating venues hosting programming throughout the week. Stay where you like.Travel the state.Pick the programming that excites you. Your PorcFest ticket becomes a passport across the Free State. Visit participating venues, get your passport stamped, and you’ll be eligible for sponsor-funded prizes.Instead of a centralized event, PorcFest XXIII will be a tour of what we’ve built in the Free State — and an invitation for more builders to join us. 🎟 Tickets are on sale now. Go to fsp.org/PorcFest Adult tickets are $75, and kids attend free with a ticketed adult. Come see what two decades of building liberty actually looks like. This isn’t just an event—it’s your invitation to step into the real Free State. 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 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 Voices Porcupine Report Ep. 105: “State of the Free State: A Culture of Builders” w/ Eric Brakey. 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. “Black Ink, 1A Wins, and TSA Woes” | The Independents w/ Carla Gericke. Click to watch the full episode.  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 The Keene Sentinel: Opening day at the Keene Artcade WMUR9: New Hampshire animal shelters prepare for influx of kittens WMUR9: Grow it Green: Preparing plants ahead of Spring Only in your State: Discover New Hampshire’s Hidden Islands That Feel Tropical NHPR: NH News Recap: Education funding remains a top issue this Legislative session Emerson Polling: New Hampshire 2026: Sununu Leads GOP Nomination, Ties Pappas for Senate WMUR: Hillary Clinton visiting New Hampshire next month Union Leader: New Hampshire vehicle safety inspections suspended Josiah Bartlett Policy Center: Massachusetts lost 145,000 residents to New Hampshire over the last 20 years NH Bulletin: In executive order, Ayotte reiterates commitment to ‘advanced nuclear’ NucNet: New Hampshire Governor Steps Up Plans To Deploy Small Modular Reactors Reason: Senate Bill 101 would strengthen New Hampshire’s cross-district open enrollment program Bloomberg: New Hampshire Collects $100 Million Under Tax Amnesty Program The Center Square: New Hampshire No. 1 for taxpayer returns NHPR: Bearly awake: NH black bears waking up from hibernation, looking for food As Seen in the Free State  Dinner is served at the Spring 2026 Artsy Fartsy at the Quill!. Thank you to all who joined us at the Quill’s Spring 2026 Artsy Fartsy!.Upcoming Events Monday, March 30thManchester, 6pm-9 – PorcFest: The Next Generation Roadshow – Come discuss the decentralized “Passport to the Free State” adventure, bring your questions/ideas, and help shape PorcFest 2026. Let’s build! Hosted by Carla Gericke. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) Tuesday, March 31stBedford, 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 from 6pm-8! Please invite others! Hosted by Bill & Gail. (Murphy’s Taproom & Carriage House, 393 State Rte 101, Bedford) 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) Wednesday, April 1st Lancaster, 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) Goffstown, 6pm-8 – AFP-NH Pints & Policy: No Joke: These Policies Are Costing Granite Staters – Join AFP-NH on April 1st to expose real estate policies pushed by Democrats that sound absurd enough to be April Fools’ pranks: yet they’re actively raising costs, threatening freedoms, and eroding the New Hampshire Advantage. Dinner and a drink will be provided by AFP-NH! RSVP TODAY! Hosted by Derek Proulx. (Mountain Base Brewery, 553 Mast Rd #111, Goffstown) 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 2ndManchester 4pm-6 – Sound Money Business Networking – 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) 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 Sarah Scott. (Thirsty Moose Tap House, 83 Washington St, Dover) 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, April 3rdManchester, 7pm-10 – New Mover Potluck – All liberty lovers are invited to come on down to welcome movers of the great liberty migration. Join us as we welcome home movers old and new to the largest and longest running monthly event in New Hampshire. New movers eat free! (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) Saturday, April 4thManchester, 11:30am-1pm – Merrimack Valley Porcupines – Every first Saturday folks who are passionate about liberty gather for MVP, the Merrimack Valley. Hosted by Jeremy Olson. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) Croydon, 5pm-9 – Bardo Potluck & Upper Valley New Mover Party – Join the Bardo crew, friends and neighbors for an evening of socializing and good food. Potluck dinner is at 5pm, please bring a dish to share. Hosted by Emily Smith. (Bardo Farm, 92 Forehand Rd, Croydon) Sunday, April 5th 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) 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. |
