Join historians, vendors, and local organizations at the Corbin Covered Bridge Festival in Newport NH! The festival celebrates the 25th anniversary of the rebuilding of the covered bridge that had been a victim of arson in 1993. Activities begin at 9am when the gates open and end with a Harvest dinner at 6pm ($75 per person for the dinner). Location is the area around the Corbin Covered Bridge and the nearby Parlin Field airport.

Join Gibson's as John C Porter presents the new edition of his classic, Preserving Old Barns: Preventing the Loss of a Valuable Resource. Preserving Old Barns is a wonderful resource for barn owners to assess, care for, and celebrate their special structures. This illustrated, full color second edition features over two hundred pictures, one hundred pages of new information from author John Porter, and barn preservation techniques from timber framer Arron Sturgis. It provides a practical understanding of the history, function, and preservation of old barns.

The event will be held on at Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 South Main St., Concord, NH.

For more details, please visit the Gibson’s Bookstore event page.

Visit the Enfield Shaker Museum and take a tour of their two remaining Enfield Shaker Church Family Barns. The tour will use real life examples to illustrate the challenges associated with preserving old barns and you will get to see active preservation at work!

For more information, please visit the Enfield Shaker Museum’s events page.

Tour the Wentworth-Brown House (Seven to Save 2018)!

This imposing, 200-foot-long house and barn complex was built between 1790 and 1805 and is now owned by Haverhill Heritage, Inc. A large rehabilitation campaign is underway to convert the vacant house into a multi-use space.

Join the Preservation Alliance as we announce 2019’s Seven to Save list at Danbury’s Blazing Star Grange.

Tours of local landmarks and former Seven to Saves will be available.

For more details on the event, please visit our Seven to Save page. To register for this event, click here.

Workshop held at Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon, N.H.

People have always sought to light and air into a house.  The earliest openings were covered in animal skin and translucent stone. Until the advent of large glass manufacturing, windows were made with small panes of glass set into a framework – generally called sash windows.  Though many windows for homes are now double layers of glass, single-paned sash windows are still needed for all kinds of structures

In this workshop, students will make a 4-paned sash window using traditional hand tools.

 If you are traveling from afar and would like to learn about housing at Sanborn Mills Farm, click here . 

 If you decide you would like to stay at the farm after registering, please contact the office at 603-435-7314 weekdays between 9 am and 3 pm to check on availability.

Workshop held at Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon, N.H.

All successful woodworking starts with a good working knowledge of hand tools. In this one-day workshop at Sanborn Mills Farm, students will learn how to sharpen wood working tools and how to use them safely.  We will work with the basics – hand saws, chisels and planes.

Workshop fee:  $125.00 includes materials and lunch featuring our farm-grown food.
Instructor: Kevin A. Schurman with Emma Woodward and Jake Farmer
Workshop Size:  This workshop can accommodate up to 4 people; minimum of 3 students needed to be held.

Click here to register for a workshop & read over our policies.

To learn more about our instructors, click here .

 If you are traveling from afar and would like to learn about housing at Sanborn Mills Farm, click here .  If you decide you would like to stay at the farm after registering, please contact the office at 603-435-7314 weekdays between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm to check on availability.

See historic downtown Concord from new heights! Stops will include the Attic at City Hall, the Sheraton building, the Kearsarge building and more. The tour will start at the Atrium in Eagle Square, 7 Eagle Square in Concord. Cost is $40 per person. For more information go to: intownconcord.org

Every house has a history, but how do you discover yours? Join the NH Preservation Alliance’s Andrew Cushing as he explores tools, tricks, and tips for researching your old house. Using a combination of sources – common and uncommon – anyone can start to assemble a fuller history of their house’s history.

Hosted by the Northwood Historical Society.

Join Museum Education Coordinator, Kyle Sandler, for a visual presentation of the various incarnations of architecture which can be found throughout the Shaker world. In this talk, we will view interior and exterior photographs which demonstrate the wide array of designs used on Shaker structures. We will also discuss how use and location directly affected architectural designs.

Cost: Included with Museum Admission

For more information on Enfield Shaker Village, including location, please visit their website

Join the Keene Heritage Commission for a program on historic barns and carriage houses of Washington Street presented by Preservation Consultant, Richard Kipphut, followed by a walking tour of the area's historic carriage houses and barn structures. Presentation will be at the Keene Unitarian Church with the walking tour to follow at 11:00 am. This program is free and open to the public.

Historian C. Ian Stevenson focuses on the NH Veterans Association site at The Weirs, exploring the ways Civil War veterans used architecture and landscape to heal wartime trauma and to preserve their legacy.

Hosted by the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum. Admission is $5 and free for members. Learn more: https://www.lwhs.us/index.html

Join a Museum educator for a tour and discussion of the various timber framing and joinery techniques which can be found in the Enfield Shaker community. This program will discuss the joinery techniques that the Shakers used both in their architecture and furniture making.

Cost: Included with Museum Admission

For more information on Enfield Shaker Village, including location, please visit their website

Join author John Porter to discuss and celebrate the release of the 2nd edition of his celebrated Barn Book. Barns are an important part of New England’s historical identity and in his book, using knowledge from his own experience as well as including details from other experts in fields such as barn restoration, Porter presents the reader with an invaluable resource on barn design, use, maintenance and restoration. For more information on this event, including location details and how to purchase tickets, please visit the Tony Hill Authors Series page

Porter’s new book is an important part of the N.H. Preservation Alliance, NH Division of Historical Resources and other partners’ barn preservation efforts. You can purchase copies by visiting our online shop

Join us for a detailed discussion for property owners seeking to ensure the property they love will become part of a family legacy that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Attendees of similar programs in the past have gained practical information as well as inspiration for the work needed to meet their goals. Panelists — including the co-owner of the Moses Kent Farm in Lyme — will share varied strategies.

Holderness Free Library, 866 US-3, Holderness, NH. No charge.

Presented by the NH Preservation Alliance, Squam Lakes Conservation Society, and Lakes Region Conservation Trust

Generous program support provided by Charter Trust Company.

Contact us with questions about the event or more on this topic, 224-2281 or projects@nhpreservation.org.

Join the Center for Painted Wall Preservation for a painted walls talk and tour in Deerfield, NH. This is a special opportunity to tour private homes and view spectacular examples of paint-decorated plaster walls in Southern New Hampshire. Murals included on the tour will range from those from an unknown artist, as well as those attributed to John Avery. The lecture begins at 12:30 at Deerfield Town Hall, 8 Church St., Deerfield, NH. Tickets can be bought in advance online or can be purchased on the day of the event starting at 11:30. Maps will be distributed at that time.

Kimball Public Library, Atkinson

Through architecture unique to northern New England, this illustrated talk focuses on several case studies that show how farmers converted their typical separate house and barns into connected farmsteads. Thomas Hubka's research in his award-winning book, Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn: The Connected Farm Buildings of New England, demonstrates that average farmers were, in fact, motivated by competition with farmers in other regions of America, who had better soils and growing seasons and fewer rocks to clear. The connected farmstead organization, housing equal parts mixed-farming and home-industry, was one of the collective responses to the competitive threat. 

Thomas Hubka earned his Bachelor's in Architecture from Carnegie-Mellon University and Master's from the University of Oregon. His other publications include Resplendent Synagogue: Architecture and Worship in an 18th Century Polish Community; Houses without Names: Architecture Nomenclature and the Classification of America's Common Houses.

His forthcoming book is entitled The Transformation of Working-Class Houses and Domesticity, 1890-1940: Improved Homes for a New Middle Class. Hubka's research primarily interprets the historic development and relationships between architecture/buildings and culture/people.

This event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities.

Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, Laconia

Through architecture unique to northern New England, this illustrated talk focuses on several case studies that show how farmers converted their typical separate house and barns into connected farmsteads. Thomas Hubka's research in his award-winning book, Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn: The Connected Farm Buildings of New England, demonstrates that average farmers were, in fact, motivated by competition with farmers in other regions of America, who had better soils and growing seasons and fewer rocks to clear. The connected farmstead organization, housing equal parts mixed-farming and home-industry, was one of the collective responses to the competitive threat. 

Thomas Hubka earned his Bachelor's in Architecture from Carnegie-Mellon University and Master's from the University of Oregon. His other publications include Resplendent Synagogue: Architecture and Worship in an 18th Century Polish Community; Houses without Names: Architecture Nomenclature and the Classification of America's Common Houses.

His forthcoming book is entitled The Transformation of Working-Class Houses and Domesticity, 1890-1940: Improved Homes for a New Middle Class. Hubka's research primarily interprets the historic development and relationships between architecture/buildings and culture/people.

This event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities.

Every house has a history, but how do you discover yours? Join the NH Preservation Alliance’s Andrew Cushing  as he explores tools, tricks, and tips for researching your old house. Using a combination of sources – common and uncommon – anyone can start to assemble a fuller history of their house’s history.

Jefferson Town Hall

Through architecture unique to northern New England, this illustrated talk focuses on several case studies that show how farmers converted their typical separate house and barns into connected farmsteads. Thomas Hubka's research in his award-winning book, Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn: The Connected Farm Buildings of New England, demonstrates that average farmers were, in fact, motivated by competition with farmers in other regions of America, who had better soils and growing seasons and fewer rocks to clear. The connected farmstead organization, housing equal parts mixed-farming and home-industry, was one of the collective responses to the competitive threat. 

Thomas Hubka earned his Bachelor's in Architecture from Carnegie-Mellon University and Master's from the University of Oregon. His other publications include Resplendent Synagogue: Architecture and Worship in an 18th Century Polish Community; Houses without Names: Architecture Nomenclature and the Classification of America's Common Houses.

His forthcoming book is entitled The Transformation of Working-Class Houses and Domesticity, 1890-1940: Improved Homes for a New Middle Class. Hubka's research primarily interprets the historic development and relationships between architecture/buildings and culture/people.

This event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities.

North Hampton Town Hall

Through architecture unique to northern New England, this illustrated talk focuses on several case studies that show how farmers converted their typical separate house and barns into connected farmsteads. Thomas Hubka's research in his award-winning book, Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn: The Connected Farm Buildings of New England, demonstrates that average farmers were, in fact, motivated by competition with farmers in other regions of America, who had better soils and growing seasons and fewer rocks to clear. The connected farmstead organization, housing equal parts mixed-farming and home-industry, was one of the collective responses to the competitive threat. 

Thomas Hubka earned his Bachelor's in Architecture from Carnegie-Mellon University and Master's from the University of Oregon. His other publications include Resplendent Synagogue: Architecture and Worship in an 18th Century Polish Community; Houses without Names: Architecture Nomenclature and the Classification of America's Common Houses.

His forthcoming book is entitled The Transformation of Working-Class Houses and Domesticity, 1890-1940: Improved Homes for a New Middle Class. Hubka's research primarily interprets the historic development and relationships between architecture/buildings and culture/people.

This event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities.

Barrington Public Library

Through architecture unique to northern New England, this illustrated talk focuses on several case studies that show how farmers converted their typical separate house and barns into connected farmsteads. Thomas Hubka's research in his award-winning book, Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn: The Connected Farm Buildings of New England, demonstrates that average farmers were, in fact, motivated by competition with farmers in other regions of America, who had better soils and growing seasons and fewer rocks to clear. The connected farmstead organization, housing equal parts mixed-farming and home-industry, was one of the collective responses to the competitive threat. 

Thomas Hubka earned his Bachelor's in Architecture from Carnegie-Mellon University and Master's from the University of Oregon. His other publications include Resplendent Synagogue: Architecture and Worship in an 18th Century Polish Community; Houses without Names: Architecture Nomenclature and the Classification of America's Common Houses.

His forthcoming book is entitled The Transformation of Working-Class Houses and Domesticity, 1890-1940: Improved Homes for a New Middle Class. Hubka's research primarily interprets the historic development and relationships between architecture/buildings and culture/people.

This event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities.

Every house has a history, but how do you discover yours? Join the NH Preservation Alliance’s Andrew Cushing  as he explores tools, tricks, and tips for researching your old house. Using a combination of sources – common and uncommon – anyone can start to assemble a fuller history of their house’s history.

Sponsored by the NH Preservation Alliance in partnership with the Exeter Heritage and Conservation Commissions

Where: Conservation Center at Raynes Farm, 61 Newfield Road, Exeter, N.H.
Cost: Preservation Alliance Members $60; non-members $70; Preservation Alliance new-member special: $80 (includes workshop and one-year Alliance membership).
Register: Contact the Preservation Alliance at (603) 224-2281. Space is limited, so sign up now!
Contact: Beverly Thomas, 603-224-2281; bt@nhpreservation.org

Wait! Don't Replace Your Old Windows! This workshop offers practical solutions for wood window restoration.

Do you live in an older house with wood windows that could use a little TLC? 

Join the N.H. Preservation Alliance and the Exeter Heritage and Conservation Commissions at the Raynes Barn in Exeter for a hands-on workshop presented by Andrew Roeper of Winn Mountain Restorations to learn how to restore your wood windows to their former glory.

Paint removal, glass cutting, glazing, sash rope replacement, weather stripping and storm window choices will be covered. Participants may bring their own sash or use one provided, and will be guided through the necessary steps of a complete wood window restoration that they can then replicate on their own.  If you are interested in learning how to restore the wood windows in your older home, this workshop is not to be missed! All materials and lunch will be provided.

Repairing and re-tuning older wood windows can often be equally or more energy efficient than installing replacement windows, and avoids the problems of landfill disposal and purchase of new products with relatively short life spans. “In addition to being the greener choice, preserving your historic windows is the best choice to retain the architectural character of your home," said Beverly Thomas, Program Director at the Preservation Alliance.

Lead sponsors of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s Old House & Barn Program include: Bedard Preservation & Restoration, LLC; Fifield Building Restoration & Relocation; Ian Blackman LLC, Restoration & Preservation; and TMS Architects, PA.

And additional sponsors include: Crown Point Cabinetry; Hubbingtons; Levasseur Electrical Contractors; and Brooks Post & Beam, Inc.; Cedar Mill Group, Inc.; Decatur Co.; Fisher Engineering, P.C.; Frank Anazalone Associates; Garland Mill Timberframe; Harrisville Design; JLT Painting; Millrace Builders, LLC; Samyn-D’Elia Architects, P.A.; Selectwood; Steppingstone Masonry; The H.L. Turner Group; and The Lumber Barn.

The Preservation Alliance supports and encourages the revitalization and protection of historic buildings and places, which strengthens communities and local economies.

Established in 1965, the Exeter Conservation Commission manages over 2,800 acres of conservation lands in town, including Raynes Farm, with the goal of cultural and natural resource protection.  The 50-acre property and barn at Raynes Farm was acquired in 2002 with support of town voters and a grant from Land & Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP).

The Exeter Heritage Commission, established by town vote in 2006, serves as a valuable resource to guide manage, recognize, and protect and educate residents about historical and cultural resources. 

The Chichester Heritage Commission hosts Andrew Cushing, who will speak on the preservation and repurposing of historic buildings. Cushing will explore the questions: What creative solutions exist that highlight better uses for our historic and obsolete buildings? How can we foster greater appreciation for these community landmarks? What happens when they’re imperiled?

The talk will highlight solutions from around the state.

Sponsored by Barlett Historical Society

Marty Engstrom, known as“Marty on the Mountain,” lived and worked for nearly four decades on the top of the Northeast’s highest peak. Experiencing the “world’s worst weather” and an aging transmitter that needed a kick every once in a while, Marty worked for Channel 8 news as their transmitter engineer and eventually became their weather reporter.

Marty will share some of his adventures on winter trips to the top of Mount Washington. This should be an entertaining and interesting presentation with first-hand stories about a place most of us have never been (at least during the winter) but all of us have seen from afar.

Please join us for a look into winter world on the top of Mount Washington with the very entertaining Marty Engstrom. Contact Norman Head at 603-986-6278 with any questions.

Every house has a history, but how do you discover yours? Join the NH Preservation Alliance’s Andrew Cushing  as he explores tools, tricks, and tips for researching your old house. Using a combination of sources – common and uncommon – anyone can start to assemble a fuller history of their house’s history.

Hosted by the Plymouth Historical Society.

Join the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance for our biennial conference, "Preserving Community Character: Critical Issues and Opportunities,” in Littleton, N.H., a historic North Country village with one of our state's most vibrant downtowns.

The conference offers great opportunities to learn about new preservation strategies and network with other preservation advocates and practitioners. This year’s conference includes the presentation of the 2019 Preservation Achievement Awards.

Register at https://bit.ly/2v3py5a

Recognized experts in historic preservation and community leaders will lead sessions focused on saving and re-purposing community landmarks, preservation tools and techniques, and best practices to effectively make your case through storytelling and fundraising. Participants can join round-table discussions at lunch on topics of their choice.

The day’s events include historic tours of downtown Littleton, with local perspectives on the town’s award-winning Main Street. The conference concludes with a networking reception at the Littleton Community House, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion.

Learn more about the conference and register here: https://bit.ly/2v3py5a

EVENT SPONSORS

Organizational partners supporting this event include:  AIA New Hampshire, Association of Historical Societies of New Hampshire,  AARP NH, Littleton Historical Society, NH Department of Resources and Economic Development, Bureau of Historic Sites, NH Division of Historical Resources, NH Historical Society, Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, NH Municipal Association, Plan New Hampshire, and Stay Work Play NH.

To date, generous sponsors for the preservation conference include the following: Bedard Preservation & Restoration; Fifield Building Restoration & Relocation LLC; Northland Forest Products; The Rowley Agency; Sheehan Phinney; Arch Weathers Historic Sashworks; New Hampshire Conservation and Heritage License Plate Program (Moose Plate); Sash and Solder; and SMP Architecture.

For more information and registration, visit nhpreservation.org or call 603-224-2281.

In celebration of Preservation Month, the Heritage Commission, Head School Society, and Historical Society will cosponsor the 15th Annual Hooksett Heritage Day. 

The Heritage Commission will host a program on Hooksett’s town cemeteries at Head Cemetery on Pleasant Street starting at 10 a.m.  Mike Horne, chair of the Hooksett Cemetery Commission, will talk about our cemeteries, past and present.

 After the Cemetery Commission program, Mackenzie Conner, a candidate for a Girl Scout Gold Award, will be debuting her project–a walking tour of Head Cemetery.  Wear comfortable shoes.

The schoolmarms of the Head School Society will be at the school till 12:30 p.m. to show guests around and answer any questions they may have.

If you’ve never had a chance to visit the Arah W. Prescott Historical Library (in front of the Old Town Hall), stop by any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and browse around.  There are lots of great photos, objects, and memorabilia.  You’re sure to learn something you didn’t know before.

As a special treat, thanks to the current owner of the circa 1794 Prescott Tavern (junction of 3A and Pine Street), visitors from noon to 3 p.m. will be allowed to tour the tavern/inn.  In the early days, guests could buy dinner for 20 cents and those wishing to imbibe could get as many glasses of rum as they wished for 3 cents each.  No dinner or rum on the 18th, but guests can view an example of conceptual plans showing the site’s possibilities.