Nutfield History

03/14/2026

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

02/07/2026

11/29/2025

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/

10/27/2025

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

08/01/2025

Larry Krantz, a member of the Friends of the Meetinghouse at First Parish, cleans and scrapes the loose paint away from windows before replacing a broken one on the historic

06/28/2025

Last Saturday (6/21/25) The American Friends of Lafayette celebrated Revolutionary War General Marquis de Lafayette's 1825 visit to Derry with a reenactment and ceremony at the Adams Female Academy building, where Lafayette spoke 200 years ago.

Local historian Rick Holmes portrayed East Derry's General E.H. Derby and described how he and Lafayette had become great friends. A musket-firing color guard and representative Academy students were also part of the festive occasion.

Thanks to the Molly Reid Chapter, NSDAR and First Parish Church, East Derry NH for helping host. See more details in the comments.

06/21/2025

The Krantz Family has been a big supporter of the historic preservation efforts at the Meetinghouse at First Parish. Catch director Heidi Krantz's great production of Amélie The Musical tonight at 7:30pm or tomorrow at 2:00pm in Salem, NH.
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/cue-zero-theatre-company/66aa5efec130097c8de22eb6/tickets #/productions-view

Cue Zero Theatre Company

A well-earned, full-house standing ovation!

Two more chances to catch this mesmerizing tale -

Cue Zero Theatre Company Presents Amélie June 20-22 at the Arts Academy of New Hampshire. Tickets on-sale now, Link in bio!

06/18/2025

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.

05/06/2025

This evening's Cemetery tour is postponed due to rain.
Stay dry!

Due to the crummy weather, today's Forest Hill Cemetery Walk has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 27th.

05/06/2025

We are looking for a seasonal manager for the Robert Frost Farm in Derry, NH. Some of the duties of this position include: giving tours, supervising a small staff, maintenance, and providing excellent customer service.
For more details and to apply, see Historic Sites on our employment page: https://bit.ly/3LDL8Fn

04/07/2025

The thirteen-year-long historic preservation effort at the 1769 Meetinghouse reached a major milestone yesterday: First Parish Church, East Derry NH held the first service in the restored Sanctuary since Easter nine years ago!

Many thanks to the volunteers and expert contractors who worked hard over the past two years to make this happen.

The main rear entrance is still undergoing work, and the seating capacity is limited until that is finished (soon!). The church expects to invite everyone to a big reopening event next month.

-history Morin Contracting Services, Inc. Emmett O'Carroll Preservation Timber Framing EnviroVantage Keeley Painting & Decorating Savvy Sound Reinforcement Friends of the Meetinghouse at First Parish