In Part 1 of this special summer series from WTFNH, host Amanda Jennison drags her family to America's Stonehenge in Salem, NH — because nothing says "fun outing" like debating whether ancient Irish monks or colonial farmers built some suspiciously ordinary-looking stone walls. Armed with her open-minded dad, Gen-Z niece, and structurally-skeptical husband, Amanda tackles Ogham stones, a four-ton "sacrificial table", and astronomical alignments conveniently rearranged by a 1930s conspiracy enthusiast. Riveting stuff — stay tuned for Part 2! Introduction to the Field Trip (00:00:05)Amanda introduces a special summer episode: a family field trip to the controversial America's Stonehenge in Salem, NH. The Visitor Center and the Ogham Stone (00:02:02)The group explores the visitor center museum and examines the "Ogham stone," a slab with controversial carvings. The Interactive Sundial (00:04:13)Outside the visitor center, the group tests out a large, interactive sundial to determine the time of day. Family-Friendly Attractions (00:05:01)Amanda notes the well-maintained trails and family-friendly activities like a gemstone dig, making it a nice day out. Site Rules and Wildlife Encounters (00:05:48)The group reviews the site's safety rules before being distracted by wild turkeys, prompting a rant about backyard deer. The Frog Pond and Bluebird Sanctuary (00:07:32)Continuing on the trail, the group discovers a frog pond and a bluebird sanctuary, admiring the well-maintained natural setting. Choosing a Trail (00:08:32)Upon reaching the main stone structures, the group consults the map and decides to start on the main tour trail. The Watch House and Serpent Wall (00:09:37)The group explores the first major structures, discussing the Watch House's astronomical alignments and the winding Serpent Wall. The Controversial History of William Goodwin (00:11:41)Amanda explains how former owner William Goodwin moved stones in the 1930s to fit his ancient Irish monk theory. H.P. Lovecraft Connection (00:13:45)Amanda discusses the local lore connecting the site's eerie atmosphere to H.P. Lovecraft's story, "The Dunwich Horror." Evidence of Ancient Pottery (00:14:47)The group discusses the Lower Well and evidence of ancient pottery manufacturing, debating who was responsible for it. The Pattee Family Farmstead (00:16:22)The tour leads to the 19th-century cellar hole of the Pattee family, who were farmers and the original landowners. Debunking the Underground Railroad Myth (00:18:06)Amanda questions the site's unconfirmed claim of being an Underground Railroad stop and goes on a brief tangent to highlight a real New Hampshire abolitionist. Evidence of Quarrying (00:19:39)The group finds marks from 19th-century quarrying equipment, suggesting a more practical, modern purpose for moving the stones. Astronomical Alignments (00:21:20)The group examines a map of astronomical alignments, debating whether they are ancient or were arranged by William Goodwin. Carbon Dating Evidence (00:24:11)A sign detailing carbon dating results is discussed, showing evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. The Indigenous History of New Hampshire (00:24:58)Amanda contrasts the site's theories with the actual archaeological record of New Hampshire's nomadic Indigenous peoples. Exploring the Stone Chambers (00:27:43)The group navigates tight stone chambers, discussing restoration work and the use of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating. The Sacrificial Table (00:31:44)The group arrives at the centerpiece: a massive granite slab with grooves, debating theories of its use. Theories: Lye, Apples, or Aliens? (00:34:03)Theories for the table's purpose are explored, from a lye table to an apple press to an alien space shuttle.
