NH Preservation Alliance honors four leaders, 10 projects

Awards include properties that remain in active use after restoration

The American Independence Center in Exeter was recognized for its restoration of the Ladd-Gilman House, a National Historic Landmark dating to the early 18th century. (Courtesy)

Four leaders of the preservation movement and 10 rescue, rehabilitation and stewardship projects were honored at the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s annual awards on May 12.

The 2026 slate includes the preservation of rare and iconic properties, care of community assets and gathering places, creation of needed housing, and other community development successes. One property had been previously listed to America’s Most Endangered list, and two of the properties had been previously listed to the Preservation Alliance’s Seven to Save endangered list, due to disinvestment, uncertain futures or possible demolition.

“These awards represent very exciting growth in the preservation movement,” said Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the Preservation Alliance, noting that the number of awards ties the Alliance’s all-time record for the 37-year-old program.

Four individuals were honored by the Preservation Alliance: Colin and Paula Cabot’s commitment to preservation in New Hampshire is both centered at Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon and spread across the state.

Stephen Bedard has rescued and restored dozens of historic buildings dating from the late 17th century through the 1930s, as well as given practical and inspiring advice to save hundreds and hundreds more.

Thomas Ahern, owner and lead craftsman of Steppingstones Masonry, stands for his exceptional craftsmanship in historic masonry restoration, and his commitment to preserving the knowledge associated with the work.

Ten other initiatives were honored: The Chesterfield Historical Society was honored for the rehabilitation and adaptive use of the Stone House Tavern Museum.

First Parish Church UCC East Derry received recognition for the restoration and stewardship of its 1769 Meetinghouse.

The American Independence Center in Exeter was recognized for its restoration of the Ladd-Gilman House, a National Historic Landmark dating to the early 18th century.

Easterseals New Hampshire was honored for the rehabilitation and adaptive use of the Military and Veterans Campus at Webster Farm in Franklin. Once on the National Trust’s Most Endangered list, the historic campus has been transformed into a vibrant residential and service hub for veterans.

The town of Hebron received recognition for the rehabilitation and adaptive use of the Hebron Memorial Chapel and Grange Hall now serving the community as the expanded Town Library and an accessible Community Hub on the Hebron Common.

The Lisbon Area Historical Society was recognized for the adaptive use of the former Lisbon Congregational Church Parish House. Acquired in 2021, the building was sensitively rehabilitated into a museum and research center, with accessibility improvements and strong community support central to the project’s success New Castle Congregational Church received an award for the restoration and stewardship of its 1828 church.

Avery and Eliza Woodworth were recognized for the restoration and stewardship of Cheney Farm in Tuftonboro.

Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth was honored for its Sea Level Rise Initiative, a pioneering effort in research, education, and preservation.