The Schoolhouse Problem: New Solutions for Preserving Historic and Obsolete Buildings in Rural New Hampshire

What options exist for public or nonprofit stewards of historic buildings in rural New Hampshire to re-use their properties for purposes other than museums? Over 200 historical societies exist in the Granite State, and of those, more than 40 own or manage multiple properties. These buildings – often schoolhouses, Grange halls, churches, etc. – are seldom open to the public and can be burdensome for volunteer-based organizations like historical societies that operate on small budgets. This thesis examined alternative solutions in rural communities, solutions that return a building to usefulness without compromising character-defining features. Case studies derived from conversations with various rural historical societies, local government officials, and statewide leaders in historic preservation.