Freedom’s MacCarthy Sisters Named Old Home Week Grand Marshalls

The following is Freedom Old Home Week’s news release announcing this year’s Grand Marshalls. Old Home Week 2026 is July 24 – August 2.  

Jean, Roberta and Susan’s family has been connected to Freedom since the 1930’s, when, after eloping from Freedom, their parents bought a camp on Berry Bay.

As children they participated in parades and talent shows hosted by  the Freedom Club. With more than 100 years of combined involvement with the Freedom community, these sisters have volunteered with cultural, historical and environmental organizations to preserve the special place we call Freedom.

Jean Marshall: Civic-Minded, Artistic, Policy Advocate
Since moving to Freedom full time in 2012, Jean has been a member of Freedom’s Heritage Commission, Planning Board, Freedom Historical Society, the Berry Bay Association and Lakes Region Planning Commission. Jean has also been a member of the Mountaintop Orchestra, which the family continues to support. Sitting in her sunroom, which overlooks Berry Bay, Jean is in her happy place.

Roberta MacCarthy: Leader,  Historian, Environmentalist
Roberta has been a member of the Freedom Historical Society since 2017, when she moved full time to Freedom. Currently she is co-chair. Under her guidance the Freedom Historical Society has become “the place” whenever a person has a question about this community. Not only is Roberta involved in preserving the history of Freedom, but she has also been working to preserve the beauty of our lakes and streams with the Berry Bay Association (President for 12 years and currently Vice-President), Ossipee Lake Alliance (Secretary), and the Ossipee Lake Dam Authority (Treasurer).

Susan Marks: Conservation Champion, Tradition Keeper
Susan was involved in our community with the Ossipee Lake Alliance (Co-Executive Director and Board Member) years before she built her home on Berry Bay in 2007. Keeping our beautiful lakes, streams and lands are a priority for Susan. Not only is she involved with the Ossipee Lake Alliance, and Berry Bay Association (past President and member), she has been a Conservation Commission Member since 2024. Susan served as a member and on the Executive Board of the Freedom Old Home Week Association for twelve years, ensuring that the family fun events that illustrate Freedom’s charm continues — It’s a Freedom Thing.

For all of their contributions that have bettered our community, the Freedom Old Home Week Association is honored to recognize Jean Marshall, Roberta MacCarthy and Susan Marks as this year’s FOHW Grand Marshals!