NH Preservation Alliance Announces Awards

Two leaders in the preservation movement, a youth advocacy initiative, a small business and two nonprofits were honored during the NH Preservation Alliance annual awards. 

“Our members and friends are telling us that old buildings and other special places offer feelings of community and steadfastness during this uncertain time," said Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the Preservation Alliance. "Historic preservation activity also supports good jobs and contributes to local economic vitality.”

And the award recipients are:

Historical Society of Cheshire County: Honored for restoration and rehabilitation of the Wyman Tavern and the Bruder House. This project reimagined the use of the 1762 tavern building as it acquired and adapted an adjacent historic brick building. (Pictured below)

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center and Samuel P. Pardoe Foundation: Recognized for stewardship of Prescott Farm in Laconia. A recent, four-year extensive barn preservation project was cited as a symbol of environmental and organizational stewardship and a central place for the non-profit’s youth and adult programs.

Carolyn W. Baldwin: Honored for outstanding leadership and contributions to the NH preservation movement, through her legal practice, her service on statewide and local boards, and role as advocate and educator. She secured important tools for protecting and investing in historic buildings.

Bill Bartlett: Honored for the rehabilitation and re-use of the Plaistow Depot. The Plaistow native revived a long-vacant community landmark for use as a small business, his daughter’s commercial photography studio. (Pictured below)

Arnold Graton (Arnold M. Graton Associates, Inc.): Honored for outstanding leadership and contributions to the NH preservation movement. Graton is an experienced covered bridge specialist and an influential timber frame craftsman. His work has helped shape public understanding and acceptance of the preservation of historic bridges and other structures.

Wolfeboro Girl Scouts FIRST Lego League Team: Honored for outstanding advocacy. This group successfully advocated for reusing a long-vacant electric generation building owned by the town, sparking widespread interest in its future. The award recognizes their blue ribbon strategies and tenacity in promoting new uses for a type of building that tends to be overlooked.