 |
Heritage Walks Brochure Makes Debut
(Pictured in photo from left to right, standing: Jenifer Landman, Jane Palmer, Barbara Hobby,
Clara Mixter, Pamela Schwotzer; seated: Jane Meneghin, Priscilla Leavitt, and Janice Mellian.)
North Hampton, NH (March 4, 2001) - Jenifer Landman, chair of the North Hampton Heritage Commission, has announced that the recently published "North Hampton Heritage Walks" brochure will be made available March 9th. This educational pocket guide to many of North Hampton's historical sites was compiled in cooperation with the North Hampton Historical Society and the Little Boar's Head Heritage Commission.
The 40-page brochure comprises 4 detailed maps of the 4 areas in which the Town originated-North Hill, Town Hall/Depot, Little River, and Little Boar's Head. In addition, there are more than 80 old sepia and modern full-color photographs of historic homes, craftsmen's shops, and town buildings, along with a brief explanation of the historical significance of each site. "We think that this brochure will provide an opportunity for adults and children to learn firsthand about the town's heritage," said Ms. Landman
She credited Ms. Janice Mellian, past chair of the Little Boar's Head Heritage Commission, with initiating the project. Having learned that the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance had made available a grant for a walking tour brochure, Ms. Mellian proposed the idea to the three historical groups.
"The members first produced a black and white handout for North Hampton's Old Home Day about the Town Hall/Depot area," said Ms. Landman. "Mike Kelly, a local resident and part of the design team at TXC, Inc., was instrumental in helping us complete this first task. Then, the Commission members went on to volunteer more than 850 hours of research and writing in order to finish their project. In addition, more than $5,000-worth of professional layout services were donated by Susannah Clark and Richard Curl of Melrose, Mass. to make the finished full-color brochure come together."
"Each member had something special to offer, so it is unfair to single out any one participant. It was, indeed, a group effort," said Bob Southworth, their roving photographer. "Margaret Brown, a North Hampton native and one the North Hampton Historical Society's directors, provided a wealth of information about the Little River area and much of the Town's oral history," said Ms. Mellian.
"Priscilla Leavitt, curator of The North Hampton Historical Society archives, provided many of the historic photographs. Since this project began, the Town has provided a safe, environmentally-controlled storage area in which to keep Town archives and artifacts; and we hope to establish a museum in the near future," said Ms. Landman.
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance's grant application stated, "A recent study by the New Hampshire Office of Travel and Tourism found that two of the top five reasons people visit New Hampshire relate to historic sites and heritage activities. This brochure spotlights the historical and cultural roots of North Hampton, which may attract visitors, benefiting local businesses."
The cost of the first 5,000 brochures was almost $6,000. The funds were provided by the following: $2,000 by last year's Town Warrant; $1,500 from a grant provided by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance; $1,000 from the Hampton Rotary Club; $200 from the North Hampton Business Association, and several very generous anonymous gifts.
One brochure is free per adult. There will be a charge of $2.00 for each additional brochure in order to help fund the next printing. Donations are tax deductible and gratefully accepted. Please make your donations payable to The North Hampton Historical Society, noting on the check "For the Walking Tour Brochure," and mail to P.O. Box 17, North Hampton, NH 03862.
Ms. Landman states that the Commission is continuing to assist the Planning Board in researching, recording, and promoting the historical resources of the town.
| |
