05/13/2026
Congratulations to the 2026 Preservation Achievement Award Winners!
Four outstanding leaders of New Hampshire’s preservation movement and ten exceptional rescue, rehabilitation, and stewardship projects were honored as 2026 award recipients by the N.H. Preservation Alliance at its Annual Preservation Awards on May 12 in Concord.
This year’s honorees reflect the breadth and impact of preservation work across the state, from safeguarding rare and iconic historic properties and revitalizing community gathering places to creating much‑needed housing and advancing successful community development efforts. Several of the awarded projects represent remarkable turnarounds: one property had previously appeared on America’s Most Endangered Historic Places list, and two were formerly designated on the Preservation Alliance’s Seven to Save endangered list due to disinvestment, uncertain futures, or possible demolition.
Hill Center Church Trustees for the Restoration and Stewardship of Hill Center Church
with:
Calley Home Improvement
Arch Weathers Historic SashWorks
Erich Petty Painting
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60f857d53daa8866a9caed91/b92611c0-4e4a-4299-ac93-912d2426ee82/Hill+Center+Church.jpg?format=1500w
The Hill Center Church, completed in 1800, stands as the oldest religious and civic-use building in the town of Hill, New Hampshire. Although construction began in 1796, planning for the building started decades earlier, during the earliest years of the community.
Originally conceived as a meetinghouse, the Hill Center Church served as the geographic and civic center of the town, then known as New Chester. Located along Murray Hill Road—once a primary route connecting Hill to neighboring towns—it has long been a visible and meaningful landmark. In 1848, when a new meetinghouse was constructed across the road, the building transitioned fully into its role as a house of worship.
Today, the church holds even greater significance, as much of Hill’s historic landscape was lost with the creation of the Franklin Falls Dam. The preservation of this building represents an important connection to the town’s early history and identity.
Architecturally, the structure reflects a classic New Hampshire Gothic Revival style, layered over an earlier form. Evidence of its evolution can still be seen in the rafters and window openings. Its post-and-beam construction is equally remarkable, featuring a wide, unsupported interior span framed by substantial hand-hewn timbers joined with traditional mortise-and-tenon construction.
The restoration itself focused on the windows, steeple, and exterior clapboards, and became a true community effort. Longtime trustees welcomed new volunteers and collaborators, bringing together a wide range of expertise and dedication. Skilled craftspeople and preservation advocates provided guidance, technical knowledge, and steady support throughout the process.
Thanks to this collective commitment, the Hill Center Church, a 2022 Seven to Save listee, has been thoughtfully restored and stabilized. It will continue to serve the community, open and active during the summer season—a lasting testament to both its history and the people who came together to ensure its future.
