What's Happening?
The city of Dover is pursuing a historic designation for Pine Hill Cemetery, aiming to secure grants for an estimated $1 million restoration of the Ricker Memorial Chapel. The 75-acre city-owned cemetery, located off Central Avenue, houses the chapel,
which is currently not in use and is in dire need of repairs. Makayla Edgecomb, an assistant city planner, is involved in the application process through New Hampshire’s Division of Historical Resources. The designation would cover both the chapel and the cemetery as a single parcel. Christopher Parker, deputy city manager and incoming city manager, stated that city officials are working with a consultant to explore options for the chapel. The city's capital improvement program projects the restoration as a fiscal year 2029 funded project, with plans to repair the slate roof, conduct a structural engineer assessment, and review the bell tower. The chapel has not been actively used since 2020, when the city's Facilities, Grounds, and Cemetery headquarters moved to a new building on the cemetery's edge.
Why It's Important?
The pursuit of historic designation for Pine Hill Cemetery and the Ricker Memorial Chapel is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it aims to preserve a historical landmark within Dover, as the cemetery has been in use since 1731 and is the burial site for many figures important to Dover and American history, including abolitionist U.S. Senator John Parker Hale and former New Hampshire Governors Charles Henry Sawyer and Noah Martin. The restoration would prevent further deterioration of the chapel, which Mayor Dennis Shanahan noted is in 'dire need of attention.' Secondly, achieving historic status would unlock access to more grant opportunities, making the substantial $1 million restoration project more financially feasible for the city. This initiative also highlights the community's value for green spaces, as the cemetery is frequently used by residents for walking and running. The project could also spur further preservation efforts, such as the proposed arboretum project to care for the cemetery's deteriorating trees, particularly sugar maples.
What's Next?
Dover is awaiting the consultant's report regarding the Ricker Memorial Chapel's restoration options before actively pursuing grants. The city has allocated some funds in its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to ensure the building is watertight and weather-tight in the interim. The historic designation process through New Hampshire’s Division of Historical Resources is underway, which, if successful, will make the property eligible for a wider range of grant funding. The restoration project is currently projected as a fiscal year 2029 funded initiative. Concurrently, the Cemetery Board will review a proposal for an arboretum project in December, which aims to address the health of the cemetery's trees. The specific future use of the chapel, whether municipal or as a chapel, remains undetermined, pending further assessment and community input.
Beyond the Headlines
The effort to restore Ricker Memorial Chapel and secure historic designation for Pine Hill Cemetery reflects a broader trend in communities recognizing the cultural and historical value of their public spaces. Beyond the immediate architectural preservation, this initiative underscores the importance of maintaining green infrastructure within urban environments. Pine Hill Cemetery serves not only as a burial ground but also as a significant recreational area and a natural habitat, contributing to the community's quality of life. The potential arboretum project further emphasizes a holistic approach to conservation, integrating historical preservation with ecological stewardship. This project could serve as a model for other municipalities looking to leverage historical designations for comprehensive urban renewal and environmental sustainability, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of investing in heritage sites.
