Hooksett Heritage Commission and Parks and Rec Meeting - March 23, 2026

This meeting brought together members of the Heritage Commission and Parks and Recreation advisory board to review and finalize historical storyboards and QR codes for Hooksett parks. The discussion focused on corrections to the Alfred J. Lambert Riverside Park board, the Mill Era storyboard, and the pre-European civilization board, as well as procedural disagreements over research responsibilities and review timelines.

Discussion Items

• Alfred J. Lambert Riverside Park storyboard: The heritage commission agreed to corrections to the first panel, including removing the word "history" from the title and changing "AJ Lambert" to "Alpha J Lambert." A member noted that the phrase "History of Alpha J. Lambert Riverside Park" would be preferred, but accepted that the other two signs would remain unchanged. A proof of the corrected board is to be sent to Parks and Rec for verification.
• Mill Era storyboard and QR code: Nine corrections were identified for the QR code, including updating the name of the falls from "Anna Hooks and Falls" to "Hooks at Falls" to match the sign, and clarifying that the current dam is referred to as "Patriot Power" rather than "Hooksett Hydro Dam." The heritage commission agreed to these corrections and will send the proof.
• Pre-European civilization board: The heritage commission had not yet reviewed this board. A member raised concerns about the phrase "called it home" in reference to Native Americans, arguing that archaeological surveys and historical records indicate only seasonal encampments, not permanent settlement. Another member countered that the New Hampshire Department of Historical Resources' report suggests Native Americans likely resided in the area, and that the definition of "home" in the 18th century may have been fluid. The commission acknowledged the disagreement but did not resolve it.
• Review process: The Parks and Rec advisory board had not reviewed the pre-European civilization board as agreed at the previous meeting. The Heritage Commission stated that research is their responsibility, not Parks and Rec's. Parks and Rec will review the corrections at their April 21st meeting, and the Heritage Commission will meet again on April 27th to finalize.

Key Outcomes

• The Heritage Commission will send proofs of the corrected Lambert Park and Mill Era storyboards to Parks and Rec for review.
• Parks and Rec advisory board will discuss the corrections at their April 21st meeting and provide feedback.
• The next joint meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2026, at 4:30 PM to finalize all storyboards and QR codes.
• The pre-European civilization board remains under review; the Heritage Commission will research the Native American terminology further.