New Hampshire's historic landmarks are at a crossroads, facing a critical shortage of skilled workers to preserve their rich history. This issue, which extends beyond the state's borders, highlights the importance of passing down traditional building techniques to the next generation.
Preserving Our Past
The state is home to a wealth of historic buildings, from homes and barns to churches, each with its own unique story and architectural style. However, the very fabric of these structures is at risk due to a lack of contractors skilled in historic building methods. Trades like timber framing, slate roofing, and stone masonry are in high demand but are slowly fading away as experienced craftsmen retire.
A Gap in the Trades
Kevin Fife, a stone mason and volunteer for the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance's Career Exploration program, emphasizes the urgency of the situation. "All these trades are in demand," he says, "but there's less and less people that do it." This gap could lead to the decay and eventual loss of many historic buildings, a prospect that advocates find alarming.
Training the Next Generation
In response to this crisis, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance has launched a week-long program to introduce high school students to these historic trades. Joshua Adams, a 17-year-old participant, found himself drawn to the program's hands-on approach. He learned about dry stack stone wall building and old-school timber framing, techniques that once constructed buildings without nails.
Joshua, who is already in a construction program, recognizes the value of these skills. "Around here, especially in places like New Hampshire and New England, there's so much historical stuff," he says. "I think people just aren't pursuing it."
A Broader Trend
Regional surveys show that young people are not entering the historic trades workforce at a rate that matches the retirement of experienced tradespeople. This imbalance leads to long waitlists for clients, potentially discouraging repair work. Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, highlights the consequences: "That can mean loss of old windows, loss of old plaster, loss of an old porch that really gives the building its character."
The Impact on Historic Sites
Canterbury Shaker Village, a museum dating back to the 1700s, is one of the many historic sites that will rely on the next generation of tradespeople. The village's structures, which are in constant need of maintenance, represent a living history that could be at risk without sufficient preservation efforts.
Opening Doors
The Preservation Alliance's workshops are open to a diverse range of students, from those already in construction programs to those new to the building industry. Rowan McGrath, an 18-year-old computer engineering student, sees the value in these skills as a potential backup career. "AI is a big thing that's going to probably take over tech," he says. "So [with these skills] I have something I can rely on."
A Rewarding Career
Kevin Fife, the stone mason, speaks to the satisfaction of maintaining these historic structures. "I like to do it the traditional way because that's a part of our ancestry, our heritage, and that's why people come to New England," he says. By passing on these skills, we can ensure that our historical landmarks stand the test of time.
Conclusion
The preservation of our historic landmarks is not just about maintaining buildings; it's about preserving our cultural heritage and the stories these structures tell. By investing in the training of young people, we can ensure that our past is not lost but stands tall for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
