I Am a Free Stater. Are You?

Lake Winnipesaukee in spring. Photo by new mover, Ryan H.

Hon. Eric Brakey
Free State Project, Executive Director

Are you a Free Stater? Prove it.

Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post:

These weekly FSP newsletters are often long because a lot is happening in the Free State. Treat it like a Sunday paper and skip ahead to whatever interests you.

Declare Your Intent!
Live Free and Build Liberty

I am a Free Stater. Are you?

The Statement of Intent is the shared mission that defines participation in the Free State Project. Recently, we refined the statement for a new generation. This week, we are launching the “I Am a Free Stater” campaign.

Whether reaffirming your commitment or signing for the first time, we invite all Free Staters (movers, natives, and those intending to move) to sign the Statement of Intent to affirm and declare, “I am a Free Stater!”

Sign the FSP Statement of Intent

Already signed years ago? Sign again and reaffirm your place in the story.

“I hereby state my solemn intent to (1) live in New Hampshire and (2) exert my fullest practical effort toward the creation of a society in which the maximum role of government is the protection of individual rights to life, liberty, and property.

“I am a Free Stater.“

No matter what our imaginative critics may claim, there is no central plan for the Free State Project beyond this: move here and build liberty. And yet, that simple plan has proven powerful enough to move granite.

Over the last twenty-three years, many thousands made the move after signing the Statement of Intent.

They planted roots and reinforced the “Live Free or Die” spirit of the state.

They continue shaping the politics and culture of NH, while building voluntary market solutions — from cryptocurrencies to homeschool networks — to replace statist models for society.

For many early movers, their FSP-issued “Mover Number” remains a point of pride. After triggering the move, however, the issuance of Mover Numbers fell out of wide practice (as did the Statement of Intent itself).

Traditions matter, and it is time to restore them as we continue building freedom.

We are restoring the issuance of Mover Numbers to all who sign the Statement of Intent and share their moving date. (All numbers issued based upon a move before February 3, 2021 will remain fixed.)

Additionally, native Free Staters — those who lived here before October 2003 or were otherwise born in the Free State — can sign to receive a “Native Porcupine Number.”

Going forward, on Porcupine Day each year, we will celebrate the growth of New Hampshire liberty communities and fix these numbers into the history of the Free State. So that’s why:

“I want you to sign the Free State Project Statement of Intent!”

Our graphics team had a little fun with this one. Thank you to Jane Bennett for the humorous Uncle Sam parody, Jaime Hussey for leading the campaign, and Brian Becker and Stephen Daves for building the IT infrastructure.
Eric talks with Free State organizer, Jaime Hussey about the growing momentum behind the Free State movement and what it means to actively build a culture of liberty in New Hampshire. They discuss a new initiative inviting both longtime residents and newcomers to formally declare their commitment to that vision. The conversation highlights how community, shared values, and personal initiative are shaping a decentralized movement on the ground. It also touches on upcoming events and opportunities to connect, contribute, and experience the Free State lifestyle firsthand.

Under this new campaign, we are doubling down on our mission — outreaching, inviting, and welcoming to build the Free State here in New Hampshire!

A welcome wagon held in Lancaster this past week moved a Free Stater into their new home. Thank you to our North Country Welcome Wagon volunteers!

PorcFest XXIII: Spontaneous Order

In two months, June 21-28, our 23rd annual Porcupine Freedom Festival is going fully decentralized. We are embracing an experiment in spontaneous order as Free State community venues prepare to host content and activities across every region of the state.

For Festival Attendees: Visit and explore the Free State for a week of community-organized events. (1) Register for your free festival ticket and (2) learn about events as they are scheduled at PorcFest.com. Please note that individual venues may charge and/or require registration for their events.

Here are a few of the events already scheduled:

– Family Freedom Field Day, hosted by Latitude Learning
– North Fest, hosted by the Pine Clubhouse
– Man Camp, hosted by Jay Noone at the Domes
– Ten Things You Can’t Understand ‘Til You Move Here, hosted by the Independence Inn
– It Takes a Quillage, hosted by the Quill Clubhouse

NOTE: If you purchased a ticket before our format change, you may contact PorcFest@FSP.org to request a full refund — anytime between now and the beginning of the festival on June 21. (Any unclaimed refunds after that date will be considered a donation to the Free State Project.)

For Participating Venues: We encourage you to use our digital infrastructure to help organize and promote your events. (1) Add your events to the PorcFest Calendar. (2) Organize with others on the Free State Forum. (3) Send me any promotional materials you would like featured by our weekly newsletters and social media channels.

Visiting New Hampshire?

Be sure to check out the Independence Inn (and ask about a “Porcupine Vacation” for up to 50% off your stay). Free Stater owned and operated, the Independence Inn seeks to help liberty lovers visit NH.  Any week of the year, come for a visit. They can guide you to Free State events, across five different communities, all within a one-hour drive. (The Independence Inn is a sponsor of our newsletter and podcast.)

More Reasons to Visit New Hampshire

PorcFest is not the only reason to visit the Free State. Free State communities and friends of the Free State are hosting events every single week of the year, so check out our “NH Liberty Calendar” to find countless reasons to visit. Additionally, read below for several events we are highlighting for the spring and summer.

FSP Liberty Calendar

July 2026

The third annual FreedomPalooza at Chris & Jennifer’s farm will be bigger than ever! Live music, workshops, talks, beer, camping, and more!

If camping on a farm in northern NH while hanging out with old and new friends, debating politics, attending homesteading workshops and homeschooling talks, drinking locally crafted beer, watching kids explore nature, and listening to awesome live music sounds like a good time, then you have found your favorite event of the year! FreedomPalooza started as a weekend celebration of good music and is expanding this year to more days, more activities, more campfires, and more fun that you don’t want to miss! Space is limited, so be sure to get tickets before they sell out! 

August 2026

Free Staters are setting sail aboard the Tom Woods Cruise this August 22 – 29. Hosted by Friend of the Free State, Tom Woods, this cruise will depart from Boston, Massachusetts — sailing up the New England and Canadian coastlines with a journey down the St. Lawrence River — and make its final port of call in Quebec City. Included in this cruise:

While this cruise will not stop in New Hampshire, this is a wonderful opportunity for Free Staters to mix with outside liberty lovers (who could become future Free Staters, like Tom Woods himself). I will be aboard, along with Chris Lopez (FSP Engagement Director) and other participants from the Free State community. We hope to spend the week with you at sea! Click here for more information and to register for the Tom Woods Cruise.

Thank you to our Porcupine Patrons!

If you believe in our mission to build a liberty homeland in New Hampshire, I’d like to ask you to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.

For just $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to build “Liberty in Our Lifetime.” Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our exclusive print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at FSP events. Our Porcupine Patron community is constantly growing. Currently, we have 321 active patrons. Can you help us reach 325?

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations to the Free State Project are tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars, cryptocurrency, and other forms. Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron?

Porcupine Patron Pin. In addition to other fantastic benefits, every Porcupine Patron of the Free State Project receives this “Porcupine Patron Pin.” These pins are not just for show! Patron pins grant access to exclusive FSP event perks, including VIP rooms, patron-only events, and courtesy drink tickets. Click here to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.

It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP.

Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.

For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project

Recurring Free State Events

New Mover Potluck Parties! 

Local Meetups!

This is only a small sample of what’s going on in the Free State! Recurring topical events include agorism, family play time, range shooting, and crypto. Find upcoming events across the state on our NH Liberty Calendar.

Free State Voices

Porcupine Report #108: “Freedom Through Technology” with Naomi Brockwell. Naomi Brockwell joins Eric to explore how modern technology is transforming the fight for freedom, especially as digital surveillance quietly erodes Fourth Amendment protections and gives governments broad access to personal data. They discuss the debate over surveillance powers like FISA 702, the hidden cost of “free” tech platforms, and how everyday tools feed massive data collection systems. Naomi also points to privacy-focused technologies as a way for individuals to push back and regain control, making the case that defending freedom in the digital age starts with personal choices. Click to watch the full episode.
Tax Slave Day and the NH Real Estate Market is hot, hot, hot | The Independents — Join Carla Gericke and Mark Warden of Porcupine Real Estate for an in-depth look at the Free State’s housing market. And join us for some choice opinions about federal income taxes, and what NH is doing to help you keep more of your money (psst: there’s a proposed Constitutional Amendment!)
From Trust to Doubt: What Changed for Millions of People? | The Independents — In today’s episode, Carla Gericke explores a growing breakdown in trust between individuals and large institutions—especially around health, risk, and personal experience.

Have you ordered your copy yet?

FSP Director Eric Brakey published his first book — a pithy door-knocking guide of 13 rules for liberty candidates running for local office. This is a must-have for anyone who wants to win at the door.

All proceeds benefit the Free State Project.

Click here to order a copy on Amazon.

News from the Free State

As Seen In the Free State

North Country Porcupine Potluck at The ‘Pine.
Free Staters seen line dancing at The Goat in Manchester.
Free Staters gather for Social Sunday in Keene at Local Burger.
The annual celebration of the Pine Tree Riot takes place in Weare.
Our FSP Outreach volunteers meet and greet with liberty lovers at the Pine Tree Riot celebration, hosted by AFP-NH.
FSP Director Brakey enjoys taking his new puppy, Stoa, on walks in Dover.

Upcoming Events

Friday, April 24th

Saturday, April 25th

Sunday, April 26th

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