History
Introducing the Gasholder Coloring Book
Learn about the Concord, NH Gasholder with this 8-page coloring book produced by the N.H. Preservation Alliance. Through architectural drawings from the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), you can see how the Gasholder works, learn why it’s worth saving, and help envision a future for the 2-acre gasworks site. Choose from digital flipbook, downloadable 8-page coloring book, or contact the Preservation Alliance to receive a free print copy.
Learn Why the Gasholder is Unique and Worth Saving
The Gasholder in Concord, NH, the last-of-its kind in the country, is an icon of the city’s history of industry and innovation. People and organizations across the U.S., who understand the historical significance of this place and what its preservation could mean to the revitalization of the city’s downtown, want to see it saved.
Recently, the N.H. Preservation Alliance recorded a virtual session where the Gasholder’s historical significance was discussed. At that event, architectural historian James Garvin discussed how gas revolutionized the way people lived and industry grew. Historic preservation consultant Liz Durfee Hengen showcased the multitude of diverse industries that propelled Concord's growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and their dependency on manufactured gas; today virtually none of these factories survive. She noted that, in the 60th anniversary year of the loss of Concord’s railroad station, she and many others hope we will not see the same fate for the Gasholder.
The Concord, NH Gasholder is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the N.H. Preservation Alliance included the property on its 2020 Seven to Save list (for a second time) because of its national significance and imminent threat. This was the first time the organization has repeated a listing since the program began in 2006.
Recording of a recent program on its history and significance sponsored by the N.H. Preservation Alliance (It runs just over an hour)
Evidence of Unique Qualities
A Historic American Engineering Record survey team surveyed the property in 1982. The black and white photos and drawings throughout this site are from that effort.
Historic American Engineering Record Team
Deily & Fowler of Laurel Iron Works
Whyte, W C
Samson, Gary, photographer
Taylor, William L, historian
Vogel, Robert M , field team
DeLony, Eric N, field team
Blaine, Quentin, field team
Lombard, Brian C, field team
Kraft-Lund, Peer, field team
Whiteside, James C, field team
Institute for New Hampshire Studies, sponsor
New Hampshire State Preservation Office, sponsor
Society for Industrial Archeology, Northern New England Chapter, sponsor
Concord Natural Gas Corporation, sponsor
