Our Story

Hannah Grimes was born in Keene, NH in 1776, and while she was not particularly famous or influential during her lifetime, she would eventually become immortalized in the history of Keene, when her legacy as an advocate for small businesses and as a proprietor of well-made, locally-sourced goods would inspire the namesake, “Hannah Grimes Marketplace” over 200 years later.

It is in this spirit that we welcome you to Hannah Grimes Marketplace, currently home to over 240 local vendors including fine artists, glass blowers, soap makers, knitters, florists, farmers, jewelry makers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, and many more creative and passionate crafters.

Our Founder

Mary Ann Kristiansen, the current occupant of the original home of Hannah Grimes, opened the doors of the Marketplace in 1997 to provide a market for local products and business skills to the people who make and grow those products. Over the past 22 years the Marketplace has been home to over 1,000 local artisans.

The Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship

Since opening the Marketplace, “Hannah Grimes” has grown to include The Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship. It educates, supports, and assists in the successful development of entrepreneurs who are committed to building a vibrant community. Through the incubator, our workshops, annual CONNECT event, and many other programs, we help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and develop the businesses they’ve always dreamed of. The center provides the space, tools, and connections that entrepreneurs need to build strong businesses and thriving local economies. The Center also offers a co-working space, business incubator, Startup Lab, Radically Rural Summit, Young Professionals’ Network, and programs and coaching that support the start and growth of businesses.