WHAT WE’RE DOING 

In June 2022, NHSPA began a new statewide photography project, New Hampshire Architecture: Buildings that have Survived 200 Years or Longer.  Members have been researching and photographing historic buildings that were built in 1823 or earlier in each New Hampshire town/city. 

The 1785 John Prescott Chase house in Epping, recently restored by the Southeast Land Trust (SELT). ©Gary Tompkins

WE NEED YOU!

Many thanks to the members who have, so far, contributed more than 220 photos to this project. The work we have received is beautiful and we can’t wait to share it in its entirety. 

So far, 202 buildings have been photographed, or will be photographed by NHSPA members. Ninety-eight towns have had at least one building photographed, but there are about 150 towns where no historic buildings have yet been photographed for this project.  

Our projected completion date is June 30, 2024 (extended date). We have a lot to do, but it’s not too late!  And winter light can be especially pretty!  Don’t worry, we won’t make you go out in a snowstorm – you can choose which buildings to photograph, when you want to.  See below for details about how you can start.

Participation is the key to the success of this project. We need many members to cover all areas of the state.  

HOW CAN YOU START?

We have used the National Register of Historic Places to find the listed New Hampshire buildings that were built in 1823 and earlier, but not yet photographed for our project. This list contains over 500 eligible structures that we have not yet photographed.  Please visit the main page of our website https://nhspa.wildapricot.org/  and click on the tab "Historical Building Photography Project" for the list, guidelines, and signup sheet.

The number of buildings in NH that are listed on the National Register is only a fraction of our existing historic structures. Many more historic buildings can be found through local historical societies, and individual research.

If you’re a member (or would like to become one, please join us!) You can start photographing buildings that fit the criteria right away! These can be in your local area, or in other parts of the state.

One of Candia's oldest houses. Built in the mid-18th century, it was transformed into the Federal style in 1820. It is now the town's history museum. ©Gary Tompkins

WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU NEED?

Members are primarily using digital cameras, but you can use any photographic process.  The camera, lens, and process are each members’ choice!   

BOOK

If we come close to our goal of photographing at least one building in each of the 234 towns in the state, the project will culminate in the publishing of a book. This project, unlike the NH NOW project, does not currently have grant money that would allow us to do a large print run, so we will be creating print-on-demand books that can be ordered online. 

EXHIBIT        

We are planning an exhibit for this project.  We’ll keep you updated when we have more information!

If you have any questions, or need assistance please contact Gary Tompkins at garytompkinsphoto@gmail.com