The preservation of New Hampshire's rich historical architecture is a challenging endeavor, and a program designed to train young people in the art of historic trades is a crucial step towards safeguarding the state's heritage. The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance's Career Exploration in the Old Building Trades initiative is a week-long program that offers high school students a hands-on experience in various historic trades, such as stonework, blacksmithing, timber framing, window glazing, and wooden shingles. This program aims to address the growing shortage of skilled workers in these fields, which could lead to the decay or disappearance of historic buildings.
One of the participants, 17-year-old Joshua Adams, found the experience eye-opening. He had never learned about these trades before, but his interest in barn repair and timber framing sparked a desire to learn more. Joshua's story highlights the importance of these programs in providing young people with a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the history and craftsmanship behind these trades.
The program's impact extends beyond the immediate participants. Regional industry surveys reveal a concerning trend: young people are not joining the historic trades workforce at the same rate as tradespeople are retiring. This creates a significant challenge, as the demand for skilled workers in these fields is high, and the waitlists for clients can be years long. The consequence of this shortage is the potential loss of historic windows, plaster, and other distinctive features that contribute to a building's character.
The Canterbury Shaker Village, a museum that dates back centuries, is one of the places that will benefit from the next generation of tradespeople. The village's structures, settled in the 1700s by the Shaker movement, require constant maintenance. The program's inclusivity is a key strength, as it welcomes not only construction and carpentry students but also individuals new to the building industry, like 18-year-old Rowan McGrath, who is exploring career options in computer engineering while gaining valuable skills in construction.
The program's impact on the participants and the preservation of New Hampshire's history is profound. Stone mason Kevin Fife, a volunteer in the program, emphasizes the importance of traditional methods, connecting them to the state's ancestry and heritage. By training young people in these historic trades, the program ensures that the skills and knowledge required to preserve New Hampshire's landmarks are passed on, keeping history standing for future generations.
