Preservation Achievement Award Winners 2025
The list of 2025 Preservation Achievement Awards celebrates small town successes, community development investment, and outstanding leaders.
The awardees include the preservation of rare and iconic properties, care of community assets and gathering places, creation of needed housing, and other community development successes. Three of the projects had been previously listed to the Preservation Alliance’s Seven to Save endangered list because of disinvestment, uncertain futures, or possible demolition. The launch of the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration was part of the award announcement festivities.
“These awards represent exciting achievements that stand on the foundation of decades of growth in the preservation movement. The kind of investment, creativity and partnerships embodied in the award-winning projects is what we need to take on today’s challenges.”
“It is important for us to have the opportunity to honor people and projects that are making a difference across the state. This work is critical to maintaining the character of our communities and their economic vitality.”
Learn more about the 2025 Award winners below:
Bartlett Historical Society for the rescue and revival of St. Joseph Catholic Church with:
Alba Architects
William C. Duggan Construction
N.H. Charitable Foundation
Robert and Dorothy Goldberg Charitable Foundation
Kendal C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation
Collapse or demolition once seemed inevitable for this building that was the first Catholic church in the Mount Washington Valley. The State Register-listed church, built in 1890 to serve the spiritual needs of the lumber and railroad families from Bartlett and surrounding towns, closed after almost 110 years of weddings, funerals and weekly services. The Bartlett Historical Society took on this major challenge – they first negotiated a leased, then purchased, and then revived this important landmark after almost two decades of uncertainty
The group raised $641,000 from over 600 donors to complete the project, and re-opened the building in October to serve as the Historical Society’s headquarters and museum displaying the history of Bartlett, Hart’s Location, and Livermore.
“With a great deal of persistence, energy, and support from numerous donors, the Bartlett Historical Society completed a total renovation of the former St. Joseph Church building in Bartlett in October 2024. The campaign for support started in 2016 and renovation work started in 2019. This building, once near the state of collapse and considered for demolition, is now the headquarters and museum for the Historical Society. This public museum displays the history of Bartlett, Hart’s Location, and Livermore. While still retaining many characteristics from the old church, the building has been preserved and adapted for its new use for years to come. The building was awarded the 2017 Seven to Save award by the NH Preservation Alliance and was added to the State Register of Historical Places in 2018,” - Phil Franklin, Bartlett Historical Society
Henrietta Kenney for the preservation and stewardship of the 174 King Street barn, Boscawen with:
Barns & Bridges of New England
Truax Timberwright Woodworks
Long-time Boscawen resident Henrietta Kenney has restored this barn in memory of her husband Harold and as a legacy for her family and her town. The iconic 1880 barn is located on historic King Street in Boscawen. It stands at the convergence of Routes 3 and 4, with more than 12,000 vehicles passing by every day.
The Kenney’s secured the RSA 79D barn preservation property tax relief from the town, and family members helped with clean out, painting and recycling of old materials. A slow, several-month-long jacking process, along with major repair and in-kind replacement of structural and other exterior elements and foundation work, revived this large gable-end barn. The timber framed structure features massive queen post trusses below the roof rafters, designed to eliminate a set of basement support posts and suspend half of the floor area from above.
“Growing up on small local farms and given our love of local history it was a life- long plan on my late husband, Harold’s and mine to preserve this unique barn for future generations to learn about and enjoy for years to come,” - Henrietta Kenney, Owner
“Henrietta and I share the same passion for the proper approach to restoring an historic barn. It was a joy to work with her on this project. Restoring and replicating the Victorian cupola provided a once in a lifetime experience that two of my adult children participated in. My hope is my children will continue in the field of historic restoration, whether it be covered bridges or timber frame barns,” - Tim Andrews, Barns & Bridges of New England
Town of Candia for the stewardship of the Smyth Memorial Building with:
The Trustees of the Smyth Memorial Building
Jesse Remington High School and its students and families
The 1932 National-Register Smyth Memorial Building faced an uncertain future when the Smyth Public Library moved to a new location.
The Candia Heritage Commission, with the help of the NH Preservation Alliance, developed a restoration plan. Although townspeople had previously voted favorably for the reuse of the building in the master plan, funding for its renovation was defeated by town vote.
Recognizing the long-term need for repair and upgrades, the Board of Selectmen formed a Board of Trustees in 2014 dedicated to maintain and preserve the building and its grounds. The Trustees began with restoration of the windows and have continued with regular, substantial stewardship projects with support from the Selectboard and Town.
However, the building was vacant until a few years ago when Jesse Remington High School made a major commitment to upgrade systems to make use of the building possible for both the school and the town. The commitment of the building’s Trustees, approvals by the Town Board of Selectmen and donations from area contractors made the transformational project possible in a very short amount of time. The Trustees maintain a clear commitment to care for the landmark's character-defining features like its slate roof, original windows, cork floor, majestic oak woodwork, and historic and commemorative fireplace mantle.
Like many great preservation projects there is an interlocking partnership here, we’re recognizing both the Town’s stewardship as well as for the School bringing renewed life to Candia's village center -- not only with its use of the Smyth Memorial Building, but also with its use of the Candia Congregational Church, a one-room schoolhouse and 19th century homes on nearby Stevens Lane that all together make up a wonderful campus of creative learning spaces for their students.
A signature program of the School’s Project Based Learning is timber framing, where students are engaged in the construction of a building, from design to finish using their campus’ historic barn as their workshop. Jesse Remington High School has built over 50 structures now standing across the state of New Hampshire. Here’s to more great stewardship and partnerships.
“The Town of Candia is very proud of the Smyth Memorial Building. The townspeople and the trustees are proud to be stewards of this lovely architectural gem. This very generous gift from Governor Fredrich Smyth served the town for many years as a library and continues to serve the community as class rooms and meeting space. This exceptional building is beacon as it sits on “The Hill” in Candia. The building is much appreciated and valued by the community,” - Carla Penfield, chairman, Smyth Memorial Building Trustees
“The Renovation of the Smyth Memorial Building was both a bold undertaking and a very rewarding experience for everyone involved. This national treasure of a building was sitting unused in a prominent, central location in town. The architecture of the building, inspired by the generous life of Governor Frederick Smyth, lends itself to excellent contemplative learning space with its high vaulted ceiling and ample natural light. The excellent coworking relationship between JRHS and the Town of Candia made this a synergistic and beneficial experience for both parties. We think Mr. Smyth would be quite pleased to know that his 100 year old gift to the town has been given new life in a new century,” - Jeff Philbrick, Headmaster, Jesse Remington High School
Town of Bradford for the rehabilitation of the Bradford Town Hall with:
Trumbull-Nelson Construction
Barrett Architecture, PC
Bruss Project Management
Land & Community Heritage Investment Program
Rural Heritage Connection
This award recognizes the high-quality, multi-stage revival and rehabilitation of this beloved circa 1860s landmark after over a decade of consideration, consternation and near-miss votes at Town Meeting. [The building was closed in 2011 for mold, life safety code and other reasons, and in 2014, the N.H. Preservation Alliance recognized this building as one of its Seven to Save].
The recently-completed comprehensive scope of work includes repair and restoration of historic features, accessibility improvements, major systems replacement and energy-efficiency investments. The Preservation Alliance’s award review committee was impressed by the $2.6 million bond vote by the town with a population of only 1,600, along with the high degree of community engagement in planning, advocacy and fundraising, and a design and construction teams that was strategic and generous.
“A Town Hall is the heart of a community and Bradford is no different. The stunning results of Bradford’s Town Hall renovation represent the successful collaboration of Town employees and Board members, numerous local volunteers and tradespeople and professionals experienced in historic renovation, all of whom held a passion for this project,” - Bradford Town Administrator Karen Hambleton
First Baptist Society & Religious Association of Lower Gilmanton for Restoration and Stewardship of the First Baptist Church with:
Fifield Restoration & Relocation
Steppingstones Masonry
Bedard Restoration & Preservation
LaPans Antique Stoves
Collins & Sons Electric
Perkins Professional Painting
Lower Gilmanton Community Club
Land & Community Heritage Investment Program
Paula Gilman and Susan Kelley Leclerc led this project with great vision, enormous energy and attention to detail. This high-quality, community-driven preservation effort is a model for other communities. The Greek Revival-style church was built in 1842 to replace a 1774 meetinghouse that stood approximately one-half mile to the north of the current location. The 1774 structure’s timbers, sills and cut foundation stones were re-used in the National Register-listed structure. After over 180 years of services, suppers, christenings, weddings and funerals, the building needed a comprehensive rehabilitation.
Using a building assessment as a road map and budget tool, the group tackled structural needs, wood repair, roofing, foundation and painting. Ten bushels of bird nesting and dirt from the eave and belfry level were removed. Antique stove repair and accessibility improvements were completed.
Community fundraising matched and exceeded their LCHIP grant. Members of the First Baptist Church and the Lower Gilmanton Community Club, donated hundreds of volunteer hours (and cool snacks on hot summer workdays) to prepare this landmark for another century. Like the Bradford and Bartlett projects, this is a former Seven to Save listee that is now an award winner.
The project leader’s ancestors were instrumental in the founding of this place. Paula Gilman’s 8th great grandfather, Antipas Gilman along with John Meserve deeded to the First Baptist Church the land the Church now stands on. Paula grew up attending this church and Sunday School.
Susan Kelley Leclerc’s 6th great grandfather, Dr. Benjamin Kelley arrived in Gilmanton in 1802 and was instrumental in writing the Church’s Constitution along with others.
“Our roots run deep in Lower Gilmanton. We are following in our forefather’s footsteps to maintain this Historic Church. We feel indebted to them and feel privileged to honor them in this way by preserving it for future generations,” - Paula Gilman and Sue LeClerc
Chinburg Builders for the Rehabilitation of the Stevens Mill Complex, Franklin with:
Allen & Major Associates
G2+1 LLC
Christine Beard, Preservation Consultant
Lassel Architects
WV Engineering Associates
REDC, CRDC, NHBFA
Monarch Private Capital
Mascoma Bank
Franklin Savings Bank
This $51.5 million transformative rehabilitation and revitalization of the Stevens Mill Complex added 153 new housing units to the City of Franklin and more than 30,000 square feet of commercial space that now houses several businesses. The site was developed in the early 1900s by a manufacturer of woolen dress goods. The complex evolved for more about hundred years, standing today as a five-story brick and granite mill consisting of seven interconnected buildings and stand-alone Dye House. The expansive rehabilitation scope included exterior envelope and interior work, new systems, and environmental remediation, as program needs and Secretary of Interior Standards were met. Award reviewers noted that this big project also addressed important details such as removing infill building, restoring old grade levels and in-kind replacement of missing monitor windows that give residents and business users even more of the historic features to appreciate.
“We are so proud of and thankful for all of the forces that came together to finance and complete such a complicated project, despite obstacles presented by the pandemic and associated costs. We are excited to see what transpires in Franklin as a result of this investment into the community,” - Eric Chinburg
Warner House Association for the Reconstruction of the Warner Carriage House with:
Dr. Robert and Maria Barth
Louise and Basil Richardson
Ann Whitney
Chinburg Properties
N.H. Community Development Finance Authority
Family of UNH professor Darret B. and Anita H. Rutman
This reconstructed carriage house for the c. 1716-18 National Historic Landmark Warner House represents the lost historic building on its original site. In Portsmouth, over the past century, hundreds of small utilitarian buildings have been demolished in every neighborhood.
In this case, project leaders had evidence of the historic building as well as an important commitment to archeological investigation. The reconstructed building not only enhances opportunities to understand this historic property, but also allows the internationally-known museum to exhibit valuable otherwise-unseen collections with proper humidity and temperature control; provides space for long-desired accessibility and public bathrooms; and offers space for ticket sales, meetings, lectures and public interpretation.
The donation of significant ceramics collections by Bob Barth and Louise Richardson, and the library to support their identification, led to the construction of this new safe home, encouraged other gifts of ceramics, and the Warner House’s important role as a center for ceramics study.
Molly Meulenbroek for Leadership and Advocacy in Rochester
This award recognizes the effective leadership of a self-taught, highly-committed preservation leader who helped advance successful preservation activities in Rochester. As a municipal volunteer, she served as chair for 12 of her 13 years on the Lilac City’s Historic District Commission. She was a vocal advocate for many projects and guided the City’s commitment to investment in City Hall’s historic Annex when its future was uncertain. She promoted the development and use of an innovative mapping project designed to assist residents, investors and visitors.
Molly is also an owner, along with her husband, Jeffrey and brother in-law David of a family-owned florist garden center and landscape company, Studley’s Flower Garden, established 1928. Studley’s was the first business in Rochester to use the Community Revitalization Tax Relief Program (RSA 79e) in the downtown Historic District. Molly and her partners’ major renovation of one of the last remaining historic greenhouses in New Hampshire addressed needs for the aging building, and made storefront improvements including the redesign of the retail space. As her nominator stated, “she invested in the heart of Rochester and she has inspired others to be persistent and bold making a lasting impact on Downtown Rochester, New Hampshire and beyond for decades to come.”
John Merkle for Excellence in Preservation, Planning and Civic Engagement
This award celebrates John’s four decades of impressive professional and civic contributions to New Hampshire.
The firm that he cofounded in 1984, TMS Architects, has long been a long leader in Granite State adaptive use and preservation projects, with highlights including the revival of historic Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, Bridges (or Governor’s) House in Concord, projects at the American Independence Museum, Phillips Exeter Academy and the Music Hall in Portsmouth.
John’s volunteerism is also legendary. He had been a past president of the New Hampshire chapter of the AIA (or American Institute of Architects), the regional AIA New England and the N.H. Preservation Alliance. On the local level, he has been a major force in bringing key historic preservation tools to his hometown of Exeter. The Chair of the Exeter Selectboard wrote, “John is an integral part of preserving Exeter’s history and educating the public about historic resources within the town.” John served as chair of the Exeter Historic District Commission, and led efforts to secure certified local government status and the Town’s demolition delay provision. He advanced the ordinance that created the Exeter Heritage Commission, which he also chaired for many years. More recently, he helped guide preservation work at the Castle in the Clouds and the Concord Gasholder and continues on grant review and other committees of the Preservation Alliance.
Fellow colleagues and volunteers describe him as a role model. They emphasize his smart, thoughtful approach to complex situations and his thoughtful, generous spirit.
So many others join us in thanking John for his outstanding and invaluable contributions and continuing commitment to positive preservation activity.
Steve Taylor for Outstanding Leadership in Advocacy and Education
Through his highly-engaging story-telling, impactful alliances and commitment to the best of New Hampshire rural life, Steve Taylor is a significant advocate for historic preservation in the Granite State. He has “sowed seeds” by mentoring colleagues throughout his career, and supporting practical and effective ventures in his hometown of Plainfield and across the state.
In his day jobs, he served as a daily newspaper reporter and editor, freelance writer, and dairy farmer. He was the founding executive director of the Hampshire Humanities Council. For 25 years, he served as the state's commissioner of agriculture. For 31 years, he served as Plainfield’s town and school district moderator.
In recent years, Steve has been an extremely active and engaging presenter in the Humanities Council’s “Humanities to Go” program with well-received programs for audiences throughout the state on the impact of the early 19th century sheep boom as well as histories of grange halls, one-room schoolhouses, agricultural fairs, poor houses, electrification, and roads. His long-popular 100 Things You Should Do To Know the Real New Hampshire is eye-opening and enjoyable for newcomers and long-timers in the Granite State, and it reveals how well Taylor understands all aspects of his home state.
As a lifelong scholar and advocate of New Hampshire agriculture and rural life, Steve Taylor is an important voice for the preservation of old barns, the working landscape and scenic views. More than that, he embodies and exudes the kind of small state collegiality, practicality and enthusiasm that fuels historic preservation activity as well as healthy and enjoyable civic life. Friends and colleagues join the Preservation Alliance in thanking Steve Taylor.