Pent-up Historic Preservation Demand Apparent at Old Building & Trades Fair

Learning about home and barn repair as well as local tradespeople, local materials and sustainability were top priorities for the over 300 people that attended the N.H. Preservation Alliance’s Old Building & Trades Fair on May 14 at Sanborn Mills Farm. Attendees also sought strategies to improve energy efficiency with window repair and solar energy. 

This day-long event provided opportunities for attendees to observe traditional tradespeople in action, to ask questions, and connect with trades organizations and experts who can help you understand the stewardship of older buildings. Demonstrations included carpentry and timber-framing, window-making and restoration, stone wall building, blacksmithing and more.  

Sanborn Mills Farm, dating from the 19th century, boasts now-rare and extraordinary working mills and farming practices that were once commonplace in New England communities. New gardens and solar installations offered present-day interpretations of two centuries of commitment to sustainability and innovation at the farm.  

Sue Booth, board member of the Preservation Alliance and owner of Vintage Kitchens, noticed a new wave of young, old house owners at this event.  “I talked to many people prioritizing the work needed on their historic homes, and lots of optimism regarding community projects where they live as we climb out of the pandemic,” she said.  

Other New Hampshire Preservation Alliance representatives were also very pleased to see expanding interest in traditional arts like timber framing and rug braiding and the large number of new attendees. “It’s reassuring and inspiring to see growing commitment to historic preservation activities,” said Beverly Thomas, program director of the N.H. Preservation Alliance. “It was wonderful to see younger people drawn to traditional practices using local materials as they steward their older properties.”  She noted how the pandemic increased some people’s focus on where they live and how to care for it. For others, it seemed to sharpen their commitment to their community’s character and special places. 

Be sure to check out our video walkthrough of this unique location during the Fair.