Building Community Through Art and Historic Preservation

This summer I worked at Kimball Jenkins, an arts community center based in an historic house in my hometown of Concord, NH. ​

My major project was to research the history of the people on the land: from the indigenous Penacook nearby, to John Kimball from before the Revolutionary war, to the theatre star in the 1980s who donated the property for the education of the arts.

My research culminated in both a detailed 30-page history report and 22 signs posted around the Historic House, telling the story of the place and its people.​

I also had the chance to:​

• Practice my planting skills in the historic gardens
• Contribute to the Accessibility Committee, the Education Committee, and planning for Art Camp
• Help set up a new exhibit
• Build a colorful cardboard city in the​ middle of Concord's Main Street ​with creative people of all ages
• Practice my ye olde cursive reading skills

I found certainty on my path in the art world. At Kimball Jenkins, I saw firsthand the impact that making and sharing art can have on a community. ​My favorite part was the people: everyone worked passionately and harmoniously to achieve the mission statement. I felt welcomed, supported, and enriched.​

This internship was funded by the Preston Public Interest Career fund​.