Belknap Mill awarded $37K LCHIP grant to support historic preservation

LACONIA — The Belknap Mill received a $37,498 grant from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program. 

In early December, Gov. Kelly Ayotte joined LCHIP in announcing more than $3.5 million in matching grants to support 31 land conservation and historic preservation projects across the state. These awards will help communities restore historic landmarks, conserve working forests, and protect the natural and cultural resources that define New Hampshire’s character.

The Belknap Mill — one of the nation’s oldest surviving textile mills and a cornerstone of Laconia’s cultural identity — is proud to be among this year’s recipients. This grant will support structural repairs that will preserve the Mill’s integrity.

“LCHIP’s support is essential to preserving the Belknap Mill for future generations,” said Acting Executive Director Dr. Katherine Switala Elmhurst. “These repairs will strengthen the building’s foundation and safeguard the stories it holds. We are proud to be part of this statewide effort to protect New Hampshire’s historic treasures.”

These improvements will directly enhance the Mill’s ability to offer year-round educational programs, arts workshops, cultural events, and community gatherings. Strengthening the structure not only safeguards the building’s historic character but also expands the Mill’s capacity to serve residents, students, and visitors through dynamic programming that celebrates creativity, history, and community connection.

LCHIP is a statewide program that provides matching grants to help municipalities and nonprofits protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources that define New Hampshire’s character. Since its creation, LCHIP has supported hundreds of projects, conserving land and rehabilitating historic buildings across the Granite State.

For more information, visit belknapmill.org.