Rochester's history on display in walking tour: Here's how it works

ROCHESTER — The recent placement of historic signs dotting the downtown area offers residents and visitors a walking tour opportunity to learn more about the city's past and how it became what it is today.

The project is the brainchild of Matthew Wyatt, public information manager for the city.

"It's been a year in the making," said Wyatt. "We completed our wayfaring sign plan, signs helping people navigate the city and there was some money left in the budget. So, I had this idea."

Wyatt visited the city historical museum on Hanson Street.

"I scanned a bunch of hand-painted postcards the museum had of historically significant locations," said Wyatt. "I researched the locations and found a lot that were still here, in different iterations, of course. So, I created dialogue boxes about the sites, added to the postcards and included a link to our virtual history map, where people can find many, many more locations. I hope it gets people more interested in our history and that it provides a great chance for a historic walking tour."

Sites include the City Hall/Opera House, fire station (now City Hall Annex), post office (now Rochester District Court), Cocheco River Bridge over North Main Street, Central Square and Parson Main Monument, and Rochester Public Library. Additionally, a sign for the Wyandotte Woolen Mill will be installed soon.

"Because that one is now private property, we needed to get permission," said Wyatt. "I just got that, so we will add that sign soon."

Each sign includes a vintage, hand-painted postcard featuring an image of the landmark, a paragraph detailing the site’s significance to Rochester’s history, and a URL and QR code that lead to the city’s virtual historic map.

This map was recognized in 2021 by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance with a Preservation Achievement Award. The map serves as a digital catalog highlighting several hundred historic sites, with photos and details, throughout downtown Rochester.

According to Wyatt, there is the potential for additional signage in the future, however, there are no immediate plans.

All images and information included on the signs and the virtual historic map were provided by the Rochester Historical Society & Museum, located at 58 Hanson St.

"I am really excited about this addition to the city," said Wyatt. "I hope our residents and visitors will feel the same."

Anyone interested in learning about a wealth of historic sites and information about Rochester can visit rochesternh.gov/historic-map. Visiting the six current locations is a great way to get started, Wyatt said.