In 1988, the Concord Cultural Resource Survey was conducted to provide information on Concord’s historic and architectural resources. Its goal was to serve as a preservation and planning tool by helping to protect Concord’s historically significant buildings. The Survey was a joint effort funded by the City of Concord, the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources, and several local businesses, many of which are no longer in existence today.

Due to funding constraints, all historic buildings in Concord were not surveyed. Approximately 600 properties were surveyed in downtown Concord and surrounding residential areas, and approximately 400 properties were surveyed in Penacook. In order to make the best use of the Survey as a planning and preservation tool, it focused on major streets that would be most vulnerable to zoning changes and alterations. North Main Street, South Main Street, South State Street, North State Street, and South Street were some of the streets included in the survey area.

Buildings were chosen for inclusion in the Survey based on how well they had been preserved in their original state, or their degree of integrity. Buildings were also chosen for their historical significance and representation of historical trends. Residential, commercial, and institutional buildings were all eligible to be part of the Survey. In addition, a small number of parks and cemeteries were chosen for their value as historical resources.

Information was recorded on individual survey forms for each building or historical resource. Each form assigned an architectural style to the building, identified its condition and construction date, provided a narrative on its exterior architecture and historical or developmental role in the community, and included a picture. The form also included an evaluation section describing National Register eligibility criteria. While this part of the form was useful in 1988, National Register criteria has changed so dramatically that this section of the survey is no longer valid.

After the survey was completed, individual forms were put in binders and placed at the Concord Public Library, the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the City Hall for use by interested parties, including the public.