Our History

Founded in 1928, the Meredith Rotary Club has a long history of service and community leadership in the Lakes Region.

In its early years, the club focused on building connections among local leaders and supporting community needs through service and civic engagement. As the region grew, so did the club's role, expanding into organized fundraising, youth support, and partnerships with local organizations.

A defining milestone came in 1978 with the creation of the Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby. What began as a local winter event quickly became one of the largest ice fishing derbies in New England. For more than four decades, the Derby has brought thousands of participants to the Lakes Region each February and has served as the club's primary fundraising effort.

Programs and Milestones

Over time, the club expanded its impact through additional programs and initiatives:

  • Meredith Bay Clean-Up: Annual volunteer efforts to protect and preserve the local waterfront environment.

  • Scholarship Programs: Ongoing support for students in the Inter-Lakes and Moultonborough school districts through both traditional and non-traditional scholarship awards.

  • Senior Programs: Annual holiday events and support initiatives for seniors in the Lakes Region community.

  • Community Recycling: Styrofoam collection events in partnership with the Meredith Solid Waste Facility, keeping thousands of pounds of foam out of New Hampshire landfills each year.

  • Inter-Lakes Interact Club: Youth service leadership program chartered on March 27, 2015, sponsored by the Meredith Rotary Club.

  • Youth Exchange: Both short-term and long-term exchange programs providing students with opportunities to experience new cultures, build leadership skills, and serve as ambassadors of goodwill abroad.

Nearly a Century of Impact

Through these efforts, funds raised by the club have supported a wide range of local needs, including food assistance programs, senior services, youth development, environmental initiatives, and community organizations throughout Meredith and neighboring towns.

In addition to financial contributions, members have consistently dedicated their time and expertise. From organizing large-scale events like the Ice Fishing Derby to volunteering in smaller community efforts, the club's impact has always extended beyond fundraising.

 


Today, the Meredith Rotary Club continues to build on nearly a century of service, maintaining traditions while adapting to meet the evolving needs of the community. The commitment remains the same as it was in 1928: to serve others, strengthen the community, and create lasting, positive impact in the Lakes Region.

Be Part of the Next Chapter

Nearly 100 years in, we are still growing, still serving, and still looking for people who want to make a difference in the Lakes Region.