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Hampton commission eyes $125,000 restoration for Barbour Road blacksmith shop
Summary
At its April 9 meeting the Hampton Heritage Commission discussed a roughly $125,000 minimal restoration estimate for the historic Barbour Road blacksmith shop, heard that the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is interested in funding (with a required local match), and agreed to begin a public awareness campaign.
Ann Carnaby, chair of the Hampton Heritage Commission, said the commission is exploring funding options to restore the historic blacksmith shop on Barbour Road, where the most recent minimal restoration estimate is approximately $125,000. The commission heard that restoration will be complicated by limited parking and significant structural work.
Christine Bushway, vice chair, said she had spoken with the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, which expressed interest in the project but noted any grant would require a local match. Carnaby said the Hampton Historical Society has declined to take on the project because it is focusing on fundraising to house and protect a 1929 antique fire pumper.
Commissioner Andy Morse said a restored shop could be used for public programming, including blacksmith demonstrations, and urged outreach to build community support. The commission agreed to initiate a public awareness campaign; Morse and alternate Ufuk Cav will raise the issue with the Library Board of Trustees as part of that outreach.
Next steps include scoping the outreach campaign and identifying potential matching funds and grant options. No formal funding commitment or vote was taken at the April 9 meeting.
