Most people don’t know they are there, but in every town and city in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, there are treasures.

Whether they are in old cemeteries, deep woods or cozy villages, in libraries or museums, these treasures help tell the story of New England.

During the weekends of May 14 and 21, eight local towns will participate in a regionwide celebration to display their natural, cultural and historic treasures. The towns are part of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, which works in partnership with the National Park Service to promote the region’s shared resources.

From May 14-22, many of the towns within Freedom’s Way are offering events as part of Hidden Treasures 2016, inviting everyone to connect with the shared stories and places that are part of the communities. The events feature a variety of regional treasures to explore, all of which are free. They all welcome children, and Hollis’ guided nest hike and the Brookline recording event welcome pets. This is the first year that Milford is taking part in Hidden Treasures. David Palance will lead a tour of an old cemetery and Chuck Worcester will lead a history tour of the Oval.

"Charlie and I toured the event last year and we had a blast," Palance said. "We bowed out last year so we could see how the whole thing worked. We were pleasantly surprised. Below are local events. To see what’s happening in other New Hampshire and Massachusetts towns within the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, visit www.discover hiddentreasures.org/mapof- hidden-treasures.

Amherst

The Wigwam Museum is full of artifacts from Amherst’s heyday as the shire town of Hillsborough County. On Saturday, May 14, the museum, at 17 Middle St., will be open from 1-4 p.m. Tours will be at 1 and 2 p.m., and there’s a self-guided option.

Brookline

The Brookline Historical Society will record public interviews of townspeople who have stories to share about life long ago in this small town. It will take place from 10 a.m-3 p.m., May 21-22, at 17 Meetinghouse Hill Road. Greenville Learn about the history of this southern New Hampshire mill community as revealed in the Columbian Mills Ledgers that span more than 60 years (1829-90). The selfguided event is May 14-21 at the Chamberlin Free Public Library, 45 Main St. For times, call 878-1105.

Hollis

"And they’re killing our men!" tells the story of the Nevins brothers and the 92 men who answered the call on April 19, 1775. The self-guided event includes displays, historical interpretations and a roll call of the accounts of the Hollis Militia. It will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, in the Lawrence Barn, Depot Road. In "Hidden Blooms and Birds: Guided Nesting Hike," the Beaver Brook Association has a mapped route of trails that features nesting boxes for different species of birds and a few small mammals. Join a Beaver Brook naturalist for a guided hike along this trail, which includes streams, wetlands, and deciduous and hardwood forest. It will take place from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 22, at 117 Ridge Road. Register at www.beaverbrook. org. Guided hikes will be canceled if it rains, but self-guided options are always available. Bring bug spray and water.

Milford

"A Few Steps Back In Time" is a guided historic walking tour led by a local historian at 10 a.m. Saturdays, May 14 and 21. Meet at the Carey House, 6 Union St. A guided interpretive walking tour of a 1700s cemetery will be led by a cemetery authority at 2 p.m. Saturdays, May 14 and 21. Meet at the Carey House, 6 Union St.