July 18, 2026 - Celebrating our Restoration Project - A look before ...
- infoweeksstatepark
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
And now!
Vive la différence!
Although the site of the celebration festivities was on the north side of the John Wingate Weeks Historic Site House Museum, we should note that the side usually seen by the public is in beautiful shape as well.
The restoration of the north portico has transformed the first floor of the House Museum - making the grounds outside easily accessible.
The people have gathered for the celebration.
Commissioner Adam Crepeau opened the celebration by warmly welcoming the crowd of more than 50 folks. Adam is relatively new to the job but had already once visited Weeks State Park in his new role and had come away impressed. It was a pleasure for the people gathered to welcome Adam and to talk with him.
Old friend and ardent supporter of Weeks State Park, Joe Kenney reminded many of the people gathered that it was on the occasion of his hosting the meeting of the Governor's Executive Council in the Great Room here a few years ago that this park captured the attention of our political leadership in Concord. It was instrumental in securing the funds required for this extensive renovation.
Interestingly, Joe had a suggestion. He informed us that in Concord there was no statue to anyone from the North Country and wouldn't it be fitting if there were a statue to John Wingate Weeks?
Shawn is also recently appointed to his new position, and we welcome him and look forward to working with him.
On his first week on the job, he visited the park along with Commissioner Crepeau and obtained a book on the life of John W. Weeks. Inside, there was a letter from JWW's son Sinclair Weeks. Neither the letter nor the book have been seen since ... but Shawn promises to return it.
Shawn said: "The book helped me to learn more about John Wingate Weeks, but being here is what gives that history meaning."
The Weeks family, in donating the estate to the State of NH in 1941, made it possible for "future generations to experience this remarkable place and the history it represents. With that gift came a responsibility."
"Our responsibility isn't simply to preserve these buildings. It's to preserve the stories connected to them and make sure this site remains welcoming, accessible and relevant for the people who visit. That's what this project represents."
Let's call Matt the shepherd of this project. He's had to keep tabs for perhaps 3 or 4 years now on the herd of planners, engineers, craftsmen, workers and others who have gifted us with their knowledge and skills throughout the various stages of this project.
In his remarks, Matt recognized the talents and dedication of those who contributed to this ambitious undertaking - including the wonderful architect from the Weeks family, Rob Bast and our fellow Board member of WSPA. Matt accorded special appreciation to Park Manager, Rachel Bruce and many others as well.
After the speakers were finished, it was time to cut the ribbon. Featured in this happy event were from left to right: Matt Flanders, Shawn Hamilton, Joe Kenney, Rob Bast, Rachel Bruce (with the golden scissors), WSPA President, Janet Wittenauer, Adam Crepeau, and Elizabeth Peel from DNCR. (Elizabeth will be doing a program here about the disasters of Crawford Notch on August 13)
Giles Bean, Park Staff, operates the lift that can bring Bea Edgar and friends to the 2nd floor.
This photographer, sadly, did not capture a photo of past WSPA President, Sally Pratt, taking a ride in this wonderful addition to the park. Sally worked interminably over many years to obtain a lift to assist our patrons with mobility challenges to navigate to the Great Room on the second floor in order to attend our programs.
Update: another photographer, our own WSPA Director - Nancy DeCourcey has come to the rescue with a photo of Sally in the lift:
Joining Sally, Rebecca More is on the left (Rebecca just did our last program on "Naming the Presidentials" on Thursday evening) and in the center is WSPA President - Janet Wittenauer. That's our WSPA membership chair - Regina Astle who is looking in on the right. (thank you for the photo, Nancy)
There were many other things accomplished in this restoration and renovation - one of which is the addition of ADA accessible bathrooms - but you need to come out and view all of these improvements for yourself. The park is simply stunning right now so please don't delay. You are sure to be pleasantly surprised.
Before closing, let's also remember the tower restoration that took place last year in 2025. Two enormous improvement projects under the auspices of the State of NH - DNCR have now been added to our history.
Comments