Success Stories
New Hampshire Shared Field Service Program
Preservation Expertise on the Road

A joint program between the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance and the National Trust for Historic Preservation

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, manages the Shared Field Service Program. This program provides direct, hands-on preservation expertise and small planning grants to communities throughout the New Hampshire.

Every day, the NH Preservation Alliance and the National Trust receive calls from a variety of concerned citizens, local preservation officials, municipal officials, even legislators, all asking for help. These requests for assistance usually involve preservation issues such as:  the imminent demolition of an historic building, proposed commercial development that threatens the vitality of an historic town center, or a fire in an historic block.  The Shared Field Service Rep is ready to drive to any community in the state to assess the situation in person and discuss it with local citizens.

The Shared Field Service Program is based on the premise that the investment of people and monetary resources in historic community centers, neighborhoods and historic landscapes is an engine for community revitalization and overall economic development. The Field Service Program can provide models, foster mentoring, and furnish research and position papers on preservation-based alternatives to sprawl that revitalize neighborhoods and downtowns, conserve community character, use existing infrastructure, and promote conservation of rural landscapes and heritage cultural tourism.

The Shared Field Service Rep brings not only professional expertise and a "tool box" of resource material on preservation practices, but, equipped with a laptop computer, internet access and a cellular telephone, will also be in direct communication with the NH Preservation Alliance, the National Trust, the State Historic Preservation Office, field service colleagues in other states, and preservation groups around the country.

The Shared Field Service Rep is able to help local preservation and historical organizations, as well as other community groups, choose effective strategies for community projects, provide advice on mobilizing volunteer efforts, work with community leaders and furnish preservation expertise at local meetings.

The Shared Field Services Rep is also charged with providing broad-based educational opportunities and programs for preservationists throughout the State. Specific strategies include enhancing the NH Preservation Alliance’s newsletter and website, offering training programs and workshops, and promoting media coverage of success stories.

For more information about the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance visit www.nhpreservation.org.