Nutfield History

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance Old House and Barn Expo this weekend provides an excellent immersion into the world of historic preservation.
Today I enjoyed educational sessions and caught up with a dozen experts and contractors who have helped with the 1769 Meetinghouse at First Parish in East Derry. You can even watch the crew from Preservation Timber Framing and Heartwood School construct a timber-framed building on the spot (and get periodic talks by expert and friend of the Meetinghouse Arron Sturgis along the way).
Learn more and register for Sunday:
https://www.nhpreservation.org/old-house-barn-expo

First Parish Church, East Derry NH

Over 14 years, a huge amount of progress has been made on the historic preservation of the 1769 Meetinghouse at First Parish in East Derry, NH. But there's still more work to be done!

You can help preserve this beautiful landmark and community resource — and get into the Holiday Spirit! — by attending this benefit concert next Saturday, Dec. 6, in the renovated Sanctuary.

Buy tickets at the church office, at the door, or, best, online in advance:
https://fpc-ucc.org/event-items/holiday-concert-with-the-granite-statesmen/

Help finish up the remaining Meetinghouse Preservation work while having a great time! (Note the discounted ticket prices through Nov. 1 😀)

Enjoy wonderful renditions of classic and current holiday favorites performed by the renowned The Granite Statesmen Barbershop Chorus!

It'll be fun for all ages, and the proceeds benefit ongoing Historic Preservation efforts on the Meetinghouse at First Parish. Plus, there's a treat for those who have been following the Preservation work — this will be the first concert performed in the beautifully refurbished and upgraded Sanctuary space!

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 • 3:00 PM

Tickets are just $20 for adults, $5 for kids ≤12 (with a $2 discount through Nov. 1).
Order online, at First Parish, or at the door. Tickets:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/holiday-concert-for-the-meetinghouse

During the American Revolutionary War, the French nobleman Marquis de Lafayette became a Major General in the Continental Army and played a crucial role in securing the victory against the British. In 1824–1825, he returned to the US for a Farewell Tour of 24 states.

This Saturday, June 21, the The American Friends of Lafayette organization is marking the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's visit to Derry by hosting a reenactment celebration. All are welcome.

It takes place 3:45 – 5:00 PM at the site of the Adams Female Academy (11 Lane Road) with parking on Lane Road or a short walk away at First Parish Church (47 East Derry Road).

Featuring Lafayette reenactor Ben Goldman, highlights include:
• Lafayette’s arrival by horse-drawn carriage at 3:45 pm,
• Welcome remarks by American Sons' Alan Hoffman,
• Lafayette’s greeting by Academy students reenacted,
• Remarks by Derry Historian Richard Holmes,
• Lafayette addresses the citizens of Derry and poses for photographs, and
• Refreshments at First Parish Church, East Derry NH First Parish Church, provided by the Molly Reid Chapter, NSDAR.

Afterward, visit the 1769 Meetinghouse at First Parish, undergoing historic preservation for 14 years and recently seeing the completion of its beautiful Sanctuary.

Find more info on Lafayette and the event in the comments.