Working in my role as a volunteer board member for historic preservation – along with my day job where many of our construction projects include repurposing buildings – is a privilege. At the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, our spring awards program offers us an important annual opportunity to recognize outstanding initiatives throughout the state.
Our annual awards – presented for more than 30 years with crowds at great landmarks like the Concord City Auditorium and Exeter’s Ioka Theater – were a virtual endeavor last month, with presentation via video on YouTube, followed by an online gathering.
Beyond the success of this first-time format and effort, were six honorees – a pioneering attorney linking conservation with preservation, a legendary bridge restorer, a transformation of a vacant depot for a small business, a youth group advocating for an industrial building, and two exceptional commitments by non-profit organizations.
All are a tribute and promise for what’s next for preservation in New Hampshire, showcasing investment by all ages, themes of creativity and tenacity, and significant collaborations. Despite different demographics and range of experiences, the 2020 award winners share a strong sense of purpose. Their vision, belief, determination and an against-all-odds mentality shine clearly.
The winners are:
■Bill Bartlett for the rehabilitation and re-use of the Plaistow Depot.
■Historical Society of Cheshire County for restoration and rehabilitation of the Wyman Tavern and the Bruder House.
■Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center for the stewardship of Prescott Farm, Laconia.
■Wolfeboro Girl Scouts FIRST Lego League Team for outstanding advocacy for the Municipal Electric Building.
■Carolyn W. Baldwin for outstanding leadership, legal service and development of tools and incentives for historic preservation investment and protection as well as education of two generations of volunteers and practioners.
■Arnold M. Graton for leadership and extraordinary problem-solving and action – saving, repairing and raising awareness of historic bridges and other timber frame structures across the state and country.
Our members and friends are telling us that old buildings and other special places offer feelings of community and steadfastness during this uncertain time. Historic preservation activity also supports good jobs and will be part of our recovery – circulating money locally, enhancing property values, creating places that people want to live, work and visit, and catalyzing other investments. I invite and encourage your visit to nhpreservation.org for links to hear this year’s outstanding stories of accomplishment and get a dose of inspiration during these challenging times.
(Frank Lemay is founder and president of Milestone Engineering and Construction and the chairman of the board of directors of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance.)