2023 Preservation Achievement Award Winners Announced
Three outstanding leaders of the preservation movement, one educational initiative, and eight rescue, rehabilitation, and revitalization projects were honored at our recent statewide conference gathering in Claremont. Their achievements include the preservation of rare and iconic properties, stewardship of community assets and gathering places, creation of needed housing, and other community development successes. Learn more below.
“It is important for us to have the opportunity to honor people who are making a difference across the state.”
“We hope this recognition helps inspire even more people and preservation activity”
The 2023 Preservation Achievement Award Winners
“Preserving and revitalizing historic sites across New Hampshire helps to broaden our understanding of our state’s history and deepen our appreciation of our culture and heritage. These efforts reinforce our ties to our community and are a source of economic and community development. We see the value of this approach in towns and cities like Claremont that seek to restore beautiful historic buildings like the Claremont Opera House and repurpose sites like the Sawtooth Building into creative ventures like the Claremont MakerSpace that meet current needs. We are so fortunate to have community leaders who are committed to these important practices – congratulations to this year’s Preservation Achievement Award winners.”
TwinState MakerSpaces, Inc.
For the revival and re-use of the historic Sawtooth Building in Claremont. This strong collaboration between the City of Claremont and a non-profit maker space is bringing a new era of activity to a place of iconic industrial history.
Chinburg Builders, Inc.
For the rehabilitation and re-use of Monadnock Mill #3 in Claremont. This project revitalized an abandoned and under-utilized mill along the Sugar River in the heart of the downtown, providing new places for people to live, adding to the economic vitality of the community, and maintaining the building's historic integrity.
Southeast Land Trust NH
For rehabilitation of the John Prescott Chase Farmhouse, Epping. This project revitalized a farmhouse in need of investment into two units of housing, combining careful investigation, preservation practice and high-performance energy systems. It stands on the land trust’s a new 200+-acre center for community engagement and conservation.
Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter, Inc.
For the rehabilitation of the former Sacred Heart School in Nashua. The long-vacant school was re-used for a new emergency homeless shelter and resource center, dramatically increasing services to local people in need.
Stephen Foster
For restoration and rehabilitation of the Tobias Lear House in Portsmouth. This award recognizes Foster’s high-quality restoration and rehabilitation of a significant landmark, and highlights the stewardship and thoughtful disposition by the former owner, the Wentworth Gardner Historic House Association.
Town of Stratford
For rehabilitation of Stratford Grange. Community investment saved a deteriorating Route 3 landmark, bringing renewed activity to this Coos County town of about 600 residents.
Town of Swanzey
For rehabilitation of Whitcomb Hall. The award honors the commitment and effective reuse of a historic building, the only assembly hall of its kind in town.
Webster Historical Society
For restoration of Old Webster Meeting House. After a two-year effort to diagnosis destructive levels of moisture in the building, the Society has taken important steps to preserve and steward this 1791 landmark.
Covered Bridges of New Hampshire and its author, Kim Varney Chandler
For documentation, education and advocacy. This comprehensive, well-researched book is an engaging advocacy and education piece for this rare and beloved property type. The award also recognizes her many public presentations and online updates that supplement the book.
Rebecca Mitchell
For outstanding leadership in preservation planning, advocacy, and education.
Ian Blackman
For outstanding leadership in craftsmanship, education, and advocacy.
Alan Rumrill
For outstanding leadership in documentation, public outreach, and building restoration and stewardship at the Cheshire County Historical Society in Keene.