retreat for artists, the oldest and among the largest artist colonies in the United States. It was founded in 1907 by pianist Marian Nevins MacDowell (1857–1956) and her husband, composer Edward Alexander MacDowell (MacDowell, Edward (Alexander)) (1860–1908), at their summer home in Peterborough, N.H. They had found inspiration in the wooded setting and envisaged a sanctuary for other creative artists.

After Edward's death Marian devoted her remaining 48 years to expanding and guiding the colony. During her lifetime nearly 500 writers, more than 200 composers, and 170 painters used the colony as a working retreat. Originally a summer facility, it began year-round operations in 1955.