The New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to support Phase 2 of its renovation project at the museum’s Moultonborough campus. The award is part of a $500,000 project that will renovate 6,500 square feet of the main floor, creating new educational spaces, flexible exhibits, and conference and office areas.
The NBRC grant is a matching award, which requires additional funds to complete the project. The renovation is expected to be completed over the next year, with the “revitalized” space available to the local and regional community by summer 2026.
“I was thrilled to learn that the New Hampshire Boat Museum has been awarded a significant Northern Border Regional Commission Award,” said Jaime Laurent, Board Chair. “This is a recognition of the positive impact that the NH Boat Museum will continue to have on strengthening our local community’s vitality.”
The project will expand NHBM’s capacity for educational programming and community engagement, supporting the region’s tourism economy and workforce retention.
“This investment from the NBRC will help us realize our vision for a modern, accessible museum that serves as a hub for education, tourism, and community connection,” explained NHBM Executive Director Devon Kurtz. “By expanding our facilities, we are building on NHBM’s legacy as a trusted institution and ensuring that the Lakes Region continues to benefit from dynamic cultural and economic opportunities.”
The Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program supports projects that stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships across rural communities in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM offers dynamic exhibits and engaging events and programs tailored to the diverse boating lifestyles and values of people of all ages. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Home Comfort, North Water Marine, Goodhue Boat Company, Belletetes, Eastern Propane and Oil, Kingswood Press and Design Studios, and Watermark Marine.