Introducing the Newport Heritage and Monuments & Memorials Commission (HMMC)

By Mike Loftus

Preserving Newport’s History for Future Generations

Did you know that Newport has a commission dedicated to preserving our town’s historical landmarks, monuments, and memorials? Many residents may not be aware of the Newport Heritage and Monuments & Memorials Commission (HMMC) and the important role it plays in safeguarding our town’s heritage.

As the Chair of the HMMC and a Board Member of the Newport Historical Society (NHS), I want to take a moment to introduce the commission, highlight some of our key initiatives, and invite those with a passion for history to get involved.

What is the HMMC?

The Newport Heritage and Monuments & Memorials Commission is responsible for preserving and maintaining Newport’s historic districts, monuments, and memorials. Our duties include:

• Reviewing and advising on construction, renovations, and demolitions within Newport’s designated historic districts.
• Conducting surveys and research to document and protect our town’s historical resources.
• Assisting in the maintenance and oversight of memorials and historic sites.
• Engaging the community in efforts to preserve and promote local history.

By ensuring that Newport’s historic character is protected, we help maintain the town’s unique identity and honor the stories of those who came before us.

Newport’s Historic Districts

Newport has two designated historic districts:

• The Town Common Historic District (outlined in black on the map) is covered by the Historic District Ordinance.
• The Newport Downtown Historic District (outlined in red on the map) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to the Newport Downtown Historic District, Newport has several other historic sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Parlin Field Hangar is listed in the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places.

Current Projects & Initiatives

The HMMC is actively working to protect and enhance Newport’s historic resources. Some of our key priorities include:

• Updating Newport’s Historic Resource Survey – We are seeking grant funding to update surveys of Newport’s historic districts, last conducted in 1980 and 1984.
• Exploring Potential Updates to the Historic District Ordinance – The commission is looking into ways to ensure Newport’s historic structures remain protected.
• Supporting Newport’s Master Plan – We recently contributed to the Historic Resources Section of the 2025 Newport Master Plan which is currently being drafted.

The town’s Planning and Zoning Administrator will provide more details when public hearings are scheduled for any proposed changes.

We Need Your Help – Join the Commission!

The HMMC is currently looking for new members!

We are allowed up to 7 full members (one of whom is a Board of Selectmen representative) and 5 alternate members. Right now, we only have 4 full members and one alternate member, leaving several openings for residents who care about preserving Newport’s history.

If you are a member or supporter of the Newport Historical Society (NHS), we strongly encourage you to consider joining the HMMC as well. Both organizations share a common mission: preserving and promoting Newport’s rich history. By joining, you can play a crucial role in protecting the landmarks and stories that define our town.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in joining the HMMC, you can fill out the Application for Committees on the town’s website:

📝 Newport NH Boards Application

The form includes instructions on where to send your completed application.

If you have any questions or would like more information before applying, feel free to reach out to me through the Newport Historical Society Contact Us page, and I will get back to you.

Upcoming Meetings

The HMMC meets every two months, unless an urgent application requires review before the next scheduled meeting. Our next meeting is on May 7, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Board of Selectmen’s Room at the Municipal Building.

We welcome anyone interested in local history and preservation to attend!

Together, we can ensure that Newport’s history remains a vibrant and cherished part of our community for generations to come.

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This blog post was contributed by Mike Loftus