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Orford is a rural community on the Connecticut River in western New Hampshire. Home to approximately 1200 people, Orford is known for its historic “ridge” homes, as well as family farms and small businesses. Much of Orford is forested, providing for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, snowshoeing and hunting. Chartered in 1761, Orford has a history of close ties with its neighboring towns on the Vermont side of the river. In 1998, Orford and the Vermont towns of Fairlee, West Fairlee and Vershire formed the preK-12 Rivendell Interstate School District. Mount Cube, Sunday Mountain and Cottonstone Mountain, Indian Pond and Upper and Lower Baker ponds are distinctive features of the Orford landscape. The Appalachian Trail passes over the summit of Mt. Cube, and the cross-Rivendell trail connects Orford to neighboring Vermont towns.

Orford is about 18 miles north of Hanover and Dartmouth College, along the scenic Connecticut River Valley. It’s an easy drive to the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park, the Kancamagus Highway, and Lake Winnipesaukee.

At this time, the Orford Town Offices are open – for information on conducting Town business, please refer to the Selectboard page.

Cancellations of Annual Events – Due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, the Selectboard has voted to cancel swim lessons and to close the beaches for the 2020 season. The Masonic Association has decided to cancel their annual Car Show, and the Orford Volunteer Fire Dept, Inc. has decided to cancel their annual flea market.

The NH Legal Assistance (NHLA) Community Guidance for COVID-19 Crisis

NHLA has put together an overview on public programs and systems – please click here for information on Social Security and Unemployment Benefits, Utilities, Food Stamps, Cash Assistance and Medicaid, Domestic Violence, Housing, and Senior and Consumer Law.

Paycheck Protection Program – Small Business Loans

The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone. Please click here for more information