Preservation Alliance Highlights Housing Opportunities in Older Homes at Old House & Barn Expo

Manchester, N.H. — The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance will focus on housing affordability and workforce shortages in the building trades during its 11th annual Old House & Barn Expo, March 14–15 at Saint Anselm College.

The statewide organization says older homes can play an important role in addressing New Hampshire’s housing shortage. According to an October 2025 report from New Hampshire Housing, about four out of five homeowners can afford the state’s median home price, while only about 4% of renter households can.

Rehabilitation of existing houses can expand housing options, often using local labor and materials and avoiding some of the cost pressures associated with new construction. Properties in need of repair can offer entry points for buyers willing to invest sweat equity, and larger historic homes can be adapted into multiple units or support multi-generational living. Recent state laws allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right also create opportunities to convert outbuildings into housing.

“We want under-used and vacant houses to provide needed housing for people,” said Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. “It’s a double benefit — expanding housing opportunities while conserving resources and community character.”

The Alliance also points to a growing workforce challenge. Retirements among skilled tradespeople who specialize in older buildings are outpacing new workers entering the field, leading to long project delays and, in some cases, demolition of historic features or buildings.

The Expo will feature hands-on demonstrations and workshops on topics such as window repair, plastering, stone wall building, and timber-frame repair. Attendees can also meet more than 100 preservation and building professionals and attend lectures on maintaining and adapting older properties. Several sessions will highlight younger tradespeople and farm stewards working to preserve historic properties across the state.

“In the face of housing and workforce challenges, we want to provide information, connections, and practical guidance that individuals and communities can use,” Goodman said.

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance works to strengthen communities and local economies by encouraging the protection and reuse of historic buildings and places.

Event Information

New Hampshire Old House & Barn Expo
Presented by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance
March 14–15, 2026
Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH
Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sunday 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Information and tickets: www.nhpreservation.org