While the White Mountains have always been associated with outdoorsy activities, for much of the 19th century, they played a particularly important role in the arts. The new country was looking for an artistic identity that was distinctly "American," and the untamed wilderness of northern New Hampshire inspired scores of painters.
Frank Shapleigh was one of the artists working in this area when the White Mountain School's popularity was at its peak.
Now, the Jackson Historical Society is honoring Shapleigh with a look at some of his more unusual paintings--landscapes seen from inside the kitchens and barns of old New England. Weekend Edition host Amanda Loder talks with Bob Cottrell, who helped do research for the exhibition.