BELLOWS FALLS-Residents and visitors may notice architectural historians and surveyors walking the streets of downtown Bellows Falls over the next several months. There's no need for concern, say Rockingham Historic Preservation Commission members - those surveyors are helping document the community's rich history.
The Commission has hired Hartgen Archaeological Associates to update the National Register of Historic Places documentation for downtown Bellows Falls. The project will update historic surveys completed in 1982 and 1990 and prepare a new National Register nomination that combines today's Downtown and Island Historic Districts into one updated historic district.
As part of the project, surveyors will photograph historic buildings from public streets and sidewalks, record architectural features, and conduct historical research using public records and archives. This information will help create brief histories of the buildings included in the study area.
Survey staff will not ask to enter homes or businesses, and they will not enter private property without the owner's permission. Most of the work will take place from public rights-of-way and through historical research. As the project moves forward, property owners within the study area will be contacted and kept informed about the nomination process and opportunities to learn more about the project.
The updated National Register nomination will provide a more complete picture of Bellows Falls' architectural and cultural history while recognizing the changes that have taken place over the past four decades.
Anyone with questions about the project is encouraged to contact clg@rockbf.org, or call 802-463-3964, ext. 1112.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.