Portsmouth, N.H. – Three historic buildings that line Water Street in Prescott Park have been selected for the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s 2026 “Seven to Save” list. The designation spotlights structures that once served the city’s maritime industry and now house local arts and culture nonprofits.
Why the buildings matter
Built in the 19th century, the three buildings are emblematic of Portsmouth’s rich seafaring heritage. Today they provide space for organizations such as The Players’ Ring Theatre, which stages community productions and educational programs. Their inclusion on the list underscores the risk they face from aging infrastructure and climate‑related threats.
City and nonprofit efforts
“That’s the real challenge – the city of Portsmouth is funding a lot of this work already, since these are city‑owned buildings, but there isn’t a lot of support from the state and federal levels,” said Emma Stratton, executive director of the Portsmouth Historical Society. Stratton added that the society’s nomination was driven by growing climate‑change concerns that could exacerbate deterioration.
Maintenance responsibilities often fall to the nonprofit tenants. “We have to make sure the building and its upkeep is in spit‑spot condition,” said Margherita Giacobbi, executive director of The Players’ Ring Theatre. Giacobbi noted that the designation does not bring direct repair funding, but it does open doors to connections and resources that can help sustain the buildings.
Community response
Local leaders view the recognition as both an honor and a call to action. “There were times before when I felt it was quite a daunting responsibility that we had to necessarily ask for,” Giacobbi recalled. “But after yesterday, I feel not only can we do it, but we want to do it, because it’s the right thing to do for our organization, but for the community at large, as well.”
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance has posted the full “Seven to Save” roster on its website, encouraging residents, donors, and civic groups to rally behind the preservation cause.
Looking ahead
Portsmouth officials say the city’s broader plan includes raising the structures to protect them from flooding and sea‑level rise, but they stress that preservation requires more than engineering solutions. “We need volunteers, private donations, and partnerships with state agencies to secure the future of these landmarks,” Stratton said.
Community members are invited to attend upcoming town‑hall meetings where the city will discuss funding strategies and volunteer opportunities. The hope is that, with coordinated effort, the historic waterfront will remain a vibrant cultural hub for decades to come.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
