We are honored to host a Community Preservation Workshop on Friday, March 27th from 3PM to 7PM. Co-sponsored by the N.H. Division of Historical Resources and the N.H. Preservation Alliance, the program features experts from those organizations, Nadine Peterson and Maggie Stier. Opening speaker is eminent Meredith architect Christopher Williams, who worked on the state's first Plan NH Charrette that developed  contemporary reuse for the Town's 1833 mill, ravaged in a 1992 fire and slated for demolition. Williams further served as project architect and will retell the Belmont Mill preservation story -- with Town Historian Wallace Rhodes, a leader in the "Save the Mill" initiative.

Other highlights are self-guided tours of Belmont's National Register eligible "Factory Village District", showings of "A Story of Laconia and the Belknap Mill" a feature film by David Stamps, and accomplished experts and experience in community preservation. The program concludes with topical discussion tables over a supper at the Belmont Mill "Food for Thought Cafe" operated by the Lakes Region Community College culinary arts deparment.

FOCUS: Workshop will help attendees with effective strategies for new and long-time heritage commissions, saving historic landmarks and education and outreach. PROGRAM FEE: $15.  register by March 19th at www.nhpreservation.org

PARTICIPANTS: have a range of experiences and skills, from municipal and other professionl staff, to dedicated local volunteers -- all with historic preservation interest, including starting a Heritage Commission in your community -- are encouraged to attend -- for regional and broader networking

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Noteworthy:

May 15: UNH Professor David E. Watters, Director of the New England Center for Culture, explores "New Hampshire Gravestones" supported by a N.H. Humanities Council grant and community partners, South Road Cemetery Association and Belmont Cemetery Trustees - Corner Meeting House, Belmont Village 7PM - free and open to the public

Membership Reminder: Annual dues are due. Kindly send to Jane McLetchie, Treasurer at 180 Dutile Road, Belmont NH 03220 (Individual $10. Family & Organizations $15.)

2009 Officers & Directors: Founding members Suzanne Roberts and Wallace Rhodes serve this year as President and Vice President, respectively - Brenda Paquette joins the board as Secretary and Jane McLetchie returns as longstanding Treasurer. Directors include Linda Frawley (through 2009) Diane Marden (through 2011) and the newest addition, 2008 President Magnus McLetchie (through 2010)

Celebrating Belmont's Farming Heritage is the 2009 theme for Old Home Day on August 8th: please save the date!

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 Further  Information: 2009 Event Program brochures will be available in March at Town Hall, Belmont Post Office and the Belmont Mill. Dates and details are also published on www.historicalsocietiesnh.org/belmont  and the Town website www.belmontnh.org  - find Heritage Commission under boards or search.

Interest & questions are always welcome from any officer, director or member by telephone, happenstance, or email Belmonthistory@gmail.com