Creativity and persistence mark a major building revitalization project in Harrisville by the non-profit Historic Harrsiville. Architects and preservationists who visited the Cheshire Mills complex Thursday also learned that it was one more accomplishment for the non-profit organization's distinguished record.

Historic Harrisville is considered a pioneer of the state and national
historic preservation movement, according to Linda Ray Wilson, Deputy
Director of the NH Division of Historical Resources. "It has been an
effective leader in protection strategies, commitment to the local economy and innovative conservation practices," she said.

Harrisville, the only National Landmark village in New Hampshire, is considered the most intact early 19th century mill village in America. Historic Harrisville's mission is to preserve the working village.

Since its founding in 1970, the non-profit organization has acquired,
restored, and managed the core buildings left vacant by the bankruptcy of
the Cheshire Mills. A recent acquisition has been the 78,000 s.f. complex
around the 1846 Granite Mill. The mill is under construction with support from the NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, the federal Save
America's Treasures Program, the Putnam Foundation and other donors.
The project will restore the framing, roofing, granite work, sash and millwork. The remainder of the facility is also under-going incremental rehabilitation, as start-up tenants require space.

Project manager Fred O'Connor showcased the group's window conservation workshop and a lime slaking operation that yields mortar and plaster. O'Connor emphasized how the repairing instead of replacing windows, and the use of traditional materials, is not only good preservation policy, but is also economically prudent.

Other presenters also included Chick Colony, owner of Harrisville Designs and
founding director of Historic Harrisville, Linda Willett, Historic
Harrisville's executive director, and Richard Monahon, AIA, project architect for Historic Harrisville. Monahon's overview of visionary community planning decisions made in the 1840s set the stage for a discussion of today's leaders' dynamic efforts in protecting the village as an asset for today's economy and future generations.