Preservation's Next Generation

Congratulations to our field service representative, Andrew Cushing, for being named to the Union Leader’s 40 under Forty list. The annual list "recognizes some of the state’s brightest young achievers who have a record of professional and volunteer accomplishments in New Hampshire."

At the Preservation Alliance, Cushing, 28, travels the state connecting communities to the resources they need to preserve historic landmarks. He provides technical assistance, practical advice on preservation tools and strategies, and guidance in grant-writing and fundraising. 

In addition to working at the Alliance, Cushing serves as board secretary for the Grafton Historical Society, which is currently restoring several buildings, and as a board member for the Friends of Mascoma, which raises funds for scholarships, teacher grants, and three food pantries. He is also working on fixing up two old houses in Grafton.

"I'm very appreciative of this recognition. I'm so fortunate to be living in the place I love and working for such a wonderful organization," said Cushing. "Every day I meet people who are passionate about saving our historic built environment...it's sometimes very difficult work, but it's rewarding and improves community and economic health."

Cushing is just one of several young preservationists in New Hampshire, said Preservation Alliance executive director Jennifer Goodman. "It's inspiring to see the next generation of preservation advocates, including Mae Williams, Oliver Fifield, Drew Bedard and others, surveying our state's historic buildings and fixing its barns and landmarks," she said.  "Fostering and retaining preservation-minded youth is good for New Hampshire, especially as the state's demographics turn grayer."

Email Andrew at ac@nhpreservation.org with some words of wisdom, request his help with your community preservation project, or share some news of other young preservationists.

According to a recent national study of millennials, nearly all (97%) of the nation’s largest and most diverse generation appreciate the value of historic preservation. Commissioned by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the survey reveals the salient role that preservation plays in the millennial narrative and the development of communities courting this generation.  One-in-two millennials view historic preservation as important through the lens of engaging in authentic experiences (52%), preserving a sense of community (52%) and creatively re-using structures (51%).

The Preservation Alliance is committed to engaging with audiences of all ages because we believe historic preservation benefits all. Do you have ideas about programs or wish to highlight your community's great efforts? Send us a note at projects@nhpreservation.org and tell us about it. 

You can learn about the rest of this year’s 40 Under Forty group in the Union Leader here.

Andrew at the historic Hope Engine Co. No. 1, Hinsdale on day of its move to safety, with local leader Donna Suskawicz, below.