Presented by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, the New Hampshire Old House & Barn Expo is a one-stop-shopping trade show to help old house and barn owners and enthusiasts with appropriate and affordable solutions. Taking place March 20 and 21, visitors will have a chance to meet face-to-face with knowledgeable suppliers of repair and restoration products and services, and gather valuable ideas from hourly live talks and demonstrations. Energy savings, window repair, and weatherization techniques will be featured. The expo is back by popular demand with new vendors and educational sessions.
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is dedicated to the preservation of historic buildings, communities and landscapes through leadership, education and advocacy.
The expo will be open from 9 to 5 both Saturday and Sunday at the Center of New Hampshire in Manchester. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Experts will offer advice on renovation projects, effective maintenance techniques and debunk common myths regarding energy efficiency improvements. “Even in good economic times, homeowners want to know how best to protect and enhance their home values,” says Michael Bruss, chairman of the Preservation Alliance and president of Bruss Construction, “and in times like these, it’s more important than ever.”
Upgraded kitchens and baths can blend old and new elements, and landscape strategies can complement the historic character of a 1790 farmhouse or a 1920s craftsman style home while keeping rain and snow melt from deteriorating foundations, sills and clapboards.
Event sponsors note that this show is for owners of old homes, stewards of civic properties and people who love traditional crafts. “Past Expos have drawn people with homes from 1790 to 1960 or have an even newer house but enjoy woodworking and textile arts, stone walls, or Arts and Crafts design,” says Sue Booth, Preservation Alliance board member and owner of Vintage Kitchens. Booth notes that in her business and in her volunteer work for the Alliance she welcomes opportunities to help people understand the history of their homes or communities, and match passions to practical solutions.
Exhibitors include Ararat Forge, Chimney Restoration Group, Erickson’s Antique Stoves, Historic New England, and Iron Horse Roofing, as well as many experienced contractors, weatherization experts, members of the New England Window Restoration Alliance and architectural and old house booksellers. Demonstrators, sponsored by the N.H. State Council on the Arts, will include timber framing, stone wall building, window repair, weaving, and rug braiding.
Sponsors include Bedard Preservation & Restoration, First Period Colonial, Ian Blackman, LLC, N.H. State Council on the Arts, Public Service of New Hampshire and Vintage Kitchens as well as Bruss Construction, EnviroVantage, Fifield Restoration, Historic & Distinctive Properties, Innerglass Window Systems, Louis Karno & Company and Merrimack County Savings Bank. Media sponsors include Antique Homes Magazine, N.H. Home, Old House Interiors, WMUR-TV and Yankee Magazine.
Here’s a sampling of presentations for the 2010 Expo.
? Historic Paint Colors – Sally Zimmerman
? History of Agriculture Told by Barns – John Porter
? Caring for Your Chimney – John Wastrom
? A Case Study of a Deep Energy Retrofit – Mike Bruss
? The Importance of Moisture Management – George Malette
? Dating Your House – Bob Pothier & Steve Bedard
? Researching Your Old House – Bill Veillette
? Landscape Lessons – Lucinda Brockway
? Old House, New Kitchen – Sue & Steve Booth
? Timber Frame Barns – Ed Pape
? How to Nominate Your House for the State Register – Mary Kate Ryan
? Energy Audits – Anne Stephenson
? Architectural Styles – Michael Behrendt
? Wall Stencils of the 18th & 19th Centuries – M.B. Décor
? Preserving Old Barns: Problems & Solutions – Steve Bedard
? Painting Your Historic Home – John Thompson
The expo takes place at the Center of New Hampshire, Radisson Hotel, 700 Elm St., Manchester. From the North: Take I-93 S through the Hooksett tolls, then follow I-293 to exit 6; follow signs for Amoskeag Bridge, take first exit (Canal Street). Go through 8 lights to Granite Street, go left; Center garage on left.
From the South: Take I-93 N to I-293 North. I-293 bears to right immediately after crossing river. Take I-293 N to Exit 5/Granite Street. Go right through two lights. Center garage will be on left.
Discounted parking in center garage with show validation. Street parking also available.
For more information on the expo, call 603-224-2281 or visit the website.
