Success Stories
Successful projects aided by the Preservation Alliance.
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance offers one-on-one coaching, technical assistance and planning grants to community landmarks including faith-based groups to help them assess their historic structures and build their case for new partners and funds. Lisbon’s Shared Ministry (left) participated in a year-long training program, received an Alliance grant, and ultimately decided to sell one of its three church buildings to help provide more focused support for the remaining two. Other churches in the program were in Manchester, East Derry, Newport, Acworth, and Penacook.
In Hampton Falls, more than 40 acres of prime agricultural land and forested habitat were slated for a subdivision. the property, known locally as the Raspberry Farm after a popular farmstand and pick-your-own berries operation , had been actively farmed since the late 1700s. In a deal negotiated by the Trust for Public Land, the early 19th century barn was protected by an easement held by the Alliance and the farm and its forest were added to the adjacent town forest to be owned and managed by the Town of Hampton Falls. Photo: Jerry and Marcy Monkman EcoPhotography.com
The Preservation Alliance led the passage of SB 59, new legislation that puts the renovation of public schools on equal planning with new construction. The policy change was included as a recommendation of the 2009 N.H. Climate Change Action Plan. Senator Martha Fuller Clark was the lead sponsor, and partners included the N.H. Department of Education, N.H. Division of Historical Resources and National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Preservation Alliance’s has created a new network for water-powered mill owners and operators like Charlie Daloz (left) who operates a fledging hydro-electric generation system in Hancock. The Alliance named Frye’s Measure Mill in Wilton to its annual Seven to Save endangered properties list and has hosted forums on revitalizing dams and old mills, highlighting the potential these landmarks hold for clean energy generation as well as recreational and educational opportunities.
Civic leaders and homeowners are using the Alliance as a clearinghouse and investing more in energy audits following campaigns to share information on effective energy efficiency and weatherization strategies. Efforts continue through programs like moisture management and window repair workshops, e-communications and other resources. Results also include new members, advocates and collaborations.
The Alliance partnered with Curtains Without Borders to sponsor an inventory of historic painted theater scenery in New Hampshire. To date, project director Chris Hadsel (left) has documented over 100 painted theater curtains such as this one in Wilmot. The Alliance assists with building preservation to help bring new vitality to often underused spaces, and complementing local efforts to preserve theater curtains.
With help from the Alliance, use of preservation planning and development tools are on the rise. Nearly 1/3 of towns in New Hampshire have now adopted a barn preservation tax incentive program. Over 10 communities have adopted a tax incentive that encourages re-investment in historic downtowns. Franconia Iron Furnace and other northern sites have benefited from help with state register listings.
