The 2020 Preservation Achievement Awards
New Hampshire Preservation Leaders and Projects Honored
Two outstanding leaders of the preservation movement, a youth advocacy initiative, two non-profit's significant accomplishments and a small business success were featured in the N.H. Preservation Alliance’s annual awards announcement on May 5. For over thirty years, the statewide non-profit has recognized individuals, organizations and corporations for rehabilitation and restoration projects as well public policy, and educational and planning initiatives. “It seems especially important to honor great people and projects, and share good news, during this challenging time,” said Frank Lemay, chairman of the Preservation Alliance’s board of directors.
Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the Preservation Alliance said, “Our members and friends are telling us that old buildings and other special places are offering feelings of community and steadfastness during this uncertain time.” Historic preservation activity also supports good jobs and contributes to local economic vitality.
The winners are:
Carolyn Baldwin has helped fill preservation’s “toolbox,” shaped policy and practice and helped with many rescues of landmark properties.
Carolyn W. Baldwin for outstanding leadership and contributions to the New Hampshire preservation movement.
Through her legal practice, service on statewide and local boards and role of advocate and educator, she has secured and affirmed important tools for historic preservation protection and investment. In addition, Baldwin has promoted preservation and conservation as “two sides of the same coin” and influenced and assisted new generations active in environmental protection, land conservation, and historic preservation.
Plaistow native Bill Bartlett revived a long-vacant landmark B& M RR depot in town for his daughter’s photography studio. He had visited it when it was a boy’s club and had his eye on it for years.
Bill Bartlett for the rehabilitation and re-use of the Plaistow Depot.
Plaistow native Bill Bartlett revived a long-vacant community landmark in for use as a small business, his daughter’s commercial photography studio.
Historical Society of Cheshire County for restoration and rehabilitation of the Wyman Tavern and the Bruder House. This complex project by the venerable Historical Society reimagined the use of its beloved 1762 tavern building as it acquired and adapted an adjacent historic brick building. With a strong design and construction team, it met varied public and institutional needs with a strong planning and preservation practice that is a model for others.
A 4-year barn preservation project led by the Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center with support from The Samuel P. Pardoe Foundation and other investors in the Laconia region is symbolic of the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and public access and education for all ages.
Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center and Samuel P. Pardoe Foundation for the stewardship of Prescott Farm, Laconia. For over two decades the Prescott Farm staff and board of directors have worked with the Pardoe family (descendants of the original Prescott Family) to ensure that the land and historically significant structures are available for public use and education. A recent, four-year extensive high quality barn preservation project is a symbol of environmental and organizational stewardship and a central place for the non-profit’s very active and effective youth and adult programs.
This Girl Scout troop in Wolfeboro successfully campaigned for a long-vacant electric generating building in town.
Wolfeboro Girl Scouts FIRST Lego League Team for outstanding advocacy. This group of Girl Scouts has successfully advocated for reusing a long-vacant electric generation building owned by the town, sparking interest in its future. The award recognizes their blue ribbon strategies and tenacity promoting a building type that tends to be overlooked. They are certainly a model for others.
Arnold M. Graton for outstanding leadership and contributions to the New Hampshire preservation movement. Graton’s work has helped shape the public’s understanding and acceptance of the preservation of historic bridges and other structures in New Hampshire and across the country. Graton’s portfolio features nearly 100 new, restored and repaired bridges as well as significant residential, commercial and institutional landmarks. Graton is the most experienced covered bridge specialist alive today, and one of most influential timber frame craftsmen in the United States.
One of Graton’s favorites in his 100+ bridge portfolio is a replica of the Corbin covered bridge in Newport, a 158-year-old span destroyed by arsonists in May 1993.
Among the many awards presented in previous years, the Preservation Alliance has recognized PSNH and PC Connection for renovation of historic buildings for corporate headquarters; the restoration of the Acworth Meetinghouse, Gorham Town Hall and the Gregg Free Library in Wilton; the rescue of Daniel Webster Farm in Franklin and the Wentworth-by-the-Sea hotel in New Castle; revitalizations by NeighborWorks Greater Manchester; the re-use of the Plymouth Railroad Station; and the proactive policies of the Lighthouse Kids, Gunstock Mountain Resort, and the Troy, Moultonborough and Goffstown Heritage Commissions. Consider a donation to help the Preservation Alliance do more.
The Historical Society of Cheshire County acquired and rehabilitated the historic brick Bruder House to provide visitor and archival support for their beloved Wyman Tavern next door. The Society has owned the Tavern since 1968. The founders of Dartmouth College met there in the 1770s, as did Minutemen before heading to Lexiington when it was a public house.
“We welcome this opportunity to recognize outstanding projects while hopefully inspiring others,” said Goodman. “These are the kinds of places we can’t imagine New Hampshire without, and we want to recognize the people who have worked to save and revive these landmarks.” She noted the importance of investments by the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) and municipalities, private philanthropy and significant partnerships in the projects.
Video profiles available on YouTube. Copies of program booklet available here to self-print or email your address to projects@nhpreservation.org.
Generous program sponsors include: The Rowley Agency, Lavallee Bresinger Architects, Bedard Preservation and Restoration, LLC, The Duprey Companies, Summit Engineering and Samyn-D’Elia Architects, P.A.
The annual announcement has been held in landmark properties across the state over the years including the Ioka Theater in Exeter, the Little Opera House and the Concord City Auditorium. This year’s sold out event was held virtually, with the Preservation Alliance’s executive director streaming from the organization’s offices in the old stable building of the Eagle Hotel in Concord. Past winners, this year’s honorees and other members and friends connected from communities across the state.
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance supports and encourages the revitalization and protection of historic buildings and places which strengthens communities and local economies. Check out information on new virtual assessments and virtual gatherings on varied preservation topics, planning grants and more.