Preservation Resolutions for 2026
Surveys we’ve seen put getting healthy, saving money, making stronger connections, and caring for the planet on many people’s New Year’s resolutions lists. At the Preservation Alliance, we see preservation connections to all of those goals. Do you? Here are some ideas that might fit your list. Let us know if we can help your plans stick!
Enjoy Heritage and Preservation Activities
Take a walk, run or bike to explore old roads, new-to-you neighborhoods or other special places. Check out tours in your area, or visit a long-time ski area.
Get to work! Building a stone wall, painting a wall or even a daily barn check helps with old house stewardship and gets you moving.
Attendees at our 2024 Old House & Barn Expo learn about available opportunities for careers in the preservation trades Photo: Steve Booth Photography
Seize Energy Savings, Save Money, Help Save the Earth
An energy audit can help you prioritize investments; check NH Saves for options.
Focus on properly-installed insulation in your attic and at your foundation.
“Re-tune” old windows to keep cold air out and preserve original features of your old house. Maybe this is the year for new storm windows or for bronze weatherstripping.
Programmable thermostats and home management systems with remote features can lower energy costs and stress. Second home owners and others should consider systems that monitor water breaks and interior low temperature during the winter months.
Attend our Old House & Barn Expo, March 14-15 to get your questions answered and enjoy exhibitors, demonstrations and educational sessions.
Check our old house & barn resources for more information and our Directory of Preservation Products and Services for key contacts. We also have lots of webinars and blog posts about energy efficiency for older houses.
Participants in our next-generation trades program visit the Grafton Center Meetinghouse, currently under rehabilitation by local group, Mascoma Valley Preservation.
Make Connections, Have Fun
Be part of your town’s master planning process and be a voice for preservation. Help out your heritage commission or historical society.
Mention the high job satisfaction and good pay for preservation trades people to a young person or someone looking for a new career. Learn more about our career exploration and internship programs.
Talk to friends and neighbors about the sustainable qualities of historic preservation. While the marketplace often tries to convince us that new is better, old buildings (usually built with climate in mind) can and should “go green.”
Thank community members who are stewarding churches, theaters or other community landmarks. Thank a neighbor who has fixed up his or her barn.
Help our one of our Seven to Save properties. Become a member of your local historical society or preservation organization.
Buy a “Moose Plate.” Proceeds support New Hampshire’s natural, historical, and cultural resources. To date, the plates have raised over $25 million for scenic curtain restoration and window repair at town halls across our state.
Preservation activity creates local jobs and keeps more money circulating in local economies than new construction, and is part of the landscape that attracts visitors and businesses to New Hampshire. For you, it also can be an activity that makes you feel good and connects you to special places, old friends and new ones.
Please support our work, and email us at projects@nhpreservation.org if you have a question on a different topic or have a suggestion for our readers.