Nottingham board backs support letter to list Patuckaway Grange Hall on state register

The Nottingham Select Board voted July 6 to sign a support letter authorizing preparation and submission of inventory materials to the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources to consider listing the Patuckaway Grange Hall on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places.

John Bartsch, introduced himself as president of the Nottingham Historical Society and described the Grange Hall’s history: it was originally a Baptist church, moved into town and later used as a Grange Hall and museum. He asked the board for authorization to prepare the state inventory form and submit documentation that could make the building eligible for future preservation funding.

Molly Austin, who is assisting the historical society with the application, told the board the state register listing is primarily recognition and does not by itself prohibit the town from acting on the property; she read a passage from the RSA and explained that listing opens opportunities for free membership referrals (for example, a complimentary year from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance) and for future grant eligibility.

Board members discussed potential impacts—whether listing would restrict future alterations or require additional review—and were reassured by Ms. Austin and society representatives that the state register is not equivalent to the National Register and would not automatically impose town limitations. The board moved and approved signing the support letter so the historical society and staff can proceed with the inventory and submission process.

Board members encouraged volunteers and private fundraising to supplement any future costs and asked staff to coordinate on property‑line clarification and limited brush clearing around the building to improve visibility.