The Newburyport Preservation Trust is a non-profit membership organization that brings together people from Newburyport and beyond who value the preservation of the city’s period architecture, its neighborhood ambience, its heritage landscapes, and its authentic historic character.
NPT's signature event is Preservation Week, and this year's 7th annual celebration of the city's preservation will be Wednesday - Sunday, May 8-12, 2013. The theme this year is "Women and Preservation." Five days of activities for all ages and interests include walking tours, lectures, a brunch, and the annual Historic Preservation Awards. Events are open to the public and many are free. For program information, see the complete schedule on our Preservation Week Page.
In fall 2012 the spotlight shined brightly on Newburyport's restored 1822 Powder House, as it was opened to the public as part of the Essex HeritageTrails & Sails events. Tours showcased the results of over nine years of planning and restoration, guided in recent years by the Newburyport Preservation Trust and funded by donations and grants. Although finishing touches are still to come, the site is already a destination for school groups. If you have yet to see the restored Powder House, Preservation Week 2013 affords an opportunity on Sunday, May 12, 1-3 p.m.. Ultimately the Powder House will serve Newburyport as a park and learning center for the edification of all. (Photo from the collection of the Newburyport Public Library Archival Center.)
Newburyport’s past preservation – thanks to both circumstance and vision – has come to define who we are and anchors our quality of life. Today all Newburyporters have a stake in the authenticity of the city’s historic character.
The Newburyport Preservation Trust aims to (1) be a voice for preservation concerns, (2) promote preservation education, (3) foster awareness of the need for preservation, and (4) encourage compatible new development.
The Newburyport Preservation Trust is among the select affiliate members of Historic New England, the largest regional preservation organization in the U.S.
The Newburyport Preservation Trust web site offers information on its programs and projects, as well as introductions to Newburyport history and architecture. Throughout the site are annotated links to useful preservation resources. Have a look around – and then join us on our Membership page!
