Cultural Resources

Cultural and historic resources include physical assets such as archaeology, geography, architecture and intangible assets such as folklore, traditional crafts, fine arts and music specific to a local region. From our mountains and lakes to the practices and places of the indigenous peoples of our region, our covered bridges and traditional music, all are part of a story that provides both a sense of place and a source of pride. The richness of those resources binds us together in our communities and is an attraction for visitors, scholars, and entrepreneurs that adds to our overall social and economic well being.  Our historic and cultural assets are of such great value to the state that guidance for their preservation was established in State law when a Division of Historical Resources was created in 1974.

"The legislature of New Hampshire has determined that the historical, archeological, architectural, engineering, and cultural heritage of New Hampshire is among the most important environmental assets of the state and that the rapid social and economic development of contemporary society threatens the remaining vestiges of this heritage; therefore, it is hereby declared to be public policy and in the public interest of this state to engage in a comprehensive program of historic preservation to promote the use and conservation of such property for the education, inspiration, pleasure, and enrichment of the citizens of New Hampshire." (RSA 227-C)

Our regional heritage has an abundance of historic and cultural assets that have been highly valued and conserved. From the aboriginal peoples that inhabited the region as early as 1500 BCE to the Town Charters granted in 1761 through to the current era; past and present have so far successfully blended to shape this region along the Upper Connecticut River Valley.  

Our challenge in the decades to come will be to respond to opportunities for growth and change with guidance that helps to maintain the assets we most value.