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March 3, 2026
Historic church buildings are beloved anchors of town centers across New Hampshire, yet shrinking congregations and rising maintenance costs are prompting many to consider how best to steward these buildings into the future, even as communities face a growing need for housing and gathering spaces.
Designed for clergy, trustees, volunteers, and community partners, this interactive workshop will explore practical approaches for sustaining historic religious properties. Participants will learn how communities can reimagine church buildings for housing, community, and mission-aligned uses; understand funding and fundraising realities; and learn from real-world examples that balance stewardship with change. Lunch included!
“When many people think of New Hampshire, they imagine a classic New England village — a green surrounded by civic buildings and an iconic steepled church,” said Martha Cummings, Community Preservation Services Manager at the NH Preservation Alliance, “For many congregations, however, maintaining these historic buildings has become increasingly challenging.”
The Alliance is pleased to be partnering with the Monadnock Interfaith Project to bring this program to communities within the region. Registration details and additional information are available on the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance website at www.nhpreservation.org/events-calendar. In the case of a major snowstorm, March 25 has been set as a back-up date. :