Laura S. Black recently joined the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources as Special Projects and Compliance Specialist. Laura will be directing the Old State House Project and assuming "above-ground" compliance review for transportation projects. 

With a B.A. in History from Binghamton University and an M.A. in History (Public History; Historic Preservation) from Arizona State University, Laura has worked in the museum and cultural resources management fields for more than 15 years.

Positions at a living history museum and a small historical society near her hometown on Long Island, New York solidified her interest in making a career out of a passion for history, the built environment, and material culture. In 1998 Laura accepted a position with a Philadelphia-area cultural resources management company. Initially intending to stay for a few years and then return to museum work, she stayed with the company for a decade finding "CRM enjoyable and challenging, in a position full of opportunities for professional development and growth." As Senior Project Manager, Laura gained extensive experience in conducting a wide range of federal, state, and local cultural resource compliance studies throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Laura also served on the board of the American Cultural Resources Association, and volunteered with her Pennsylvania-hometown's Main Streets program and the Community Design Collaborative of Philadelphia. Laura is happy to be here in New Hampshire where the dual-role position with the DHR "combines my interest and expertise in Section 106 and CRM with my life-long interest in Public History and museums." After work hours, Laura enjoys baking, quilting, and outdoor adventures. She is looking forward to exploring New England's hiking trails and waterways.