This summer, NHSPA members have been researching and photographing buildings in each NH town/city that were constructed in 1823 or earlier for our current statewide photography project, New Hampshire Architecture: Buildings that have Survived 200 Years or Longer.  

Along the way, members are learning interesting historical facts.  NHSPA Board President Ian Raymond wrote, "I learned some new history while out shooting for the Architectural Project today.

"Deer antlers hung over an exterior door meant that food, drink, and accommodations could be had there if you were a traveler.

"A red door meant the same. These symbols were used because many people of that time period could not read. The red door was used because of its high visibility in a snowstorm or rain.

"Many homes had white chimneys with a black rim around the top. These were called "Tory chimneys" and signified loyalty to the crown during colonial times.

"During the civil war era the white chimney or red door each signified that the home was a "safe space" for fugitive slaves on the Underground Railroad.

"One of the homes I photographed today was built by the ancestors of astronaut Alan Shepard."

You can find more information about this project here: https://nhspa.wildapricot.org/sys/website/system-pages/?pageId=18010