KEENE — “Welcome to the 18th century,” said Corneila Genness, a volunteer welcoming the public the Wyman Tavern 250th anniversary Saturday.

The festival at the tavern was a first for the Historical Society of Cheshire County, which owns the property, but is possibly the beginning of an annual tradition, said Katharine Schillemat, administrative assistant at the historical society.

“It was definitely a success,” she said.

The historic Main Street tavern and grounds bustled with activity during festival with live music and children playing 18th century period games, including stilts and hoops. There was also storytelling and demonstrations of musket firing, blacksmithing, weaving and butter churning.

Members of the Hinsdale Garrison Company, an 18th century reenactment group who depict civilian life, set up camp on the grounds behind the tavern.

“It's added a lot to the spirit of the event,” Schillemat said.

And, of course, there were tours of the tavern.

Capt. Isaac Wyman, a veteran of the Indian Wars, built the tavern in 1762. He and his family operated the tavern for 40 years.

“A number of early patriots gathered at the Wyman Tavern before they made their way to Lexington; unfortunately, they were late,” Schillemat said.

Wyman led the group of 29 minutemen to Lexington and Concord in April 1775.

The tavern is also where Dartmouth College was founded by Eleazar Wheelock and the first board of trustees on Oct. 22, 1770.

Schillemat said Saturday's tavern tour groups were large and filled with lifelong Keene residents who had never known about or visited the tavern before.

“We've had a lot of people. That was our big purpose, to get more people that haven't been here before,” Schillemat said. “It's been a great, great experience that way.”

The historical society opens up the tavern for tours during the summer, but is hoping to use momentum from its 250th anniversary to build on its education opportunities and programing, Schillemat said. “This is not meant to be a fundraiser, but any funds raised beyond covering expenses will go toward turning the Wyman Tavern into cultural heritage center.”