Exeter Heritage Award Program

The Exeter Heritage Commission seeks nominations for its inaugural awards program to be awarded July of 2026. The Commission seeks to recognize and honor businesses, organizations, projects, efforts (current or past), and people (living or deceased) that have made contributions to the preservation and promotion of Exeter’s profoundly rich heritage. The Commission’s goal for this awards program is to highlight the community’s strong and deep sense of pride, value, and stewardship of its heritage, and to inspire its citizens for generations to come. The Exeter Heritage Commission seeks to do so through an annual awards event that will name, recognize, and promote these contributions.

Nomination Submission Due Date: April 1

Nomination Submission Process: Submit your nominations directly through Electronic Nomination Form or print the Nomination Form out and mail it to Town of Exeter, Exeter Heritage Commission, Attention Awards Care of Francoise Elise, Chair, Exeter Town Offices 10 Front St, Exeter, NH 03833. Photos are encouraged. Self-nominations are welcome.

Awards: To be awarded July of 2026, date and place TBD. Up to 3 awards will be bestowed in the award’s inaugural year, 2026.

About the Exeter Heritage Commission: The Heritage Commission was established in 2006 in the town of Exeter through enabling state legislation, NH RSA Title 64 Planning and Zoning CHAPTER 674 in 2006. By a town vote, via town Article 37 town warrant, which was sponsored by resident John Merkle.

The purpose of a Heritage Commission is to offer a valuable means for local governments to manage, recognize, and protect historical and cultural resources, townwide. It advises and assists other local boards and commissions; conducts inventories; educates the public on matters relating to historic preservation; conducts inventories of historical resources; and serves as a resource for revitalization efforts. Heritage Commissions can also play the role of the community’s heritage cheerleader.