The Hudson Historical Society has begun a major preservation project at the historic Hills House, utilizing grant funding from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) to restore the building’s aging windows and help preserve one of the town’s most treasured landmarks.
The first phase of the project got underway on Friday, June 5, when several windows from the second floor and attic were carefully removed from the house and transported to Amesbury, Massachusetts. The work was performed by craftsmen Earl Clague and Dilson Vasquez of Window Women of New England, a company specializing in the restoration of historic windows.
The removed windows will undergo extensive refurbishment at the company’s Amesbury workshop before being returned and reinstalled in the coming weeks.
According to members of the Historical Society, the project is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year. As restored windows are returned and reinstalled, additional windows will be removed and sent out for restoration, creating a rotating process designed to minimize disruption while ensuring every window in the historic structure receives attention.
Many of the Hills House windows contain decorative leaded glass features that have helped define the building’s character for generations. Over time, however, some of the intricate leaded elements have deteriorated or gone missing. As part of the restoration effort, craftsmen will recreate missing pieces and repair damaged sections while maintaining the historic integrity of the original windows.
The project is being funded through a matching grant from LCHIP, with costs shared between the grant program and local contributions from the Hudson Historical Society. Funding for the grant is derived from both the state’s charitable gaming revenue and other sources dedicated to historic preservation and conservation efforts throughout New Hampshire.
Established in 2,000 through the adoption of New Hampshire RSA Chapter 227-M, LCHIP is an independent state authority that awards matching grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for the conservation and preservation of New Hampshire’s most significant natural, cultural and historic resources.
The organization has played a key role in protecting historic buildings, agricultural lands, forests, and community landmarks across the state.
Its mission is to ensure these resources continue contributing to New Hampshire’s economy, environment, and quality of life for future generations.
Funding for LCHIP’s grant programs is primarily generated through a $25 surcharge assessed on certain documents recorded at county registries of deeds. The surcharge, established under state law, generates approximately $4 million to $4.5 million annually for the LCHIP Trust Fund, which is administered by the State Treasurer.
Additional funding for administrative expenses comes from New Hampshire’s popular Conservation License Plate program, commonly known as Moose Plates, which contributes $200,000 annually. Other administrative support is generated through earned interest, the program’s Community Conservation Endowment fund, and the LCHIP Trust Fund.
For the Hudson Historical Society, the window restoration project represents an important investment in preserving the Hills House for future generations. By restoring the original windows rather than replacing them, the organization hopes to maintain the home’s historic appearance while improving its longevity and structural integrity.
As work progresses throughout the year, visitors to the Hills House will be able to witness firsthand the ongoing effort to preserve a piece of Hudson’s history.