Donate

Our Story

Community-building here in Newmarket may not be as straightforward as it was a century ago, when people worked together on the weave room floor. But community—shaped by history, culture, and diversity—still matters, still defines us. It’s part of our story.

That’s what the non-profit Newmarket Main Street Corporation is all about—celebrating, preserving, and continuing the Newmarket story.

For more than two decades, our volunteers have been initiating and supporting projects designed to strengthen community spirit and honor the town’s heritage. Our four flagship projects, featured below, have helped create a more vibrant and welcoming community for residents and visitors alike.

OUR projects

Powered through the years by a small band of volunteers, the NMSC has supported nearly a dozen projects, including four flagship initiatives. More projects are in the works—all of them designed to enhance Newmarket’s downtown and promote a sense of community. 

Visit Our Projects for an overview of all NMSC projects.

Bronze Plaques

For more than a decade, we’ve been designing and installing bronze plaques on buildings across town—19 to date. Each plaque provides a glimpse of the past, as we work to tell Newmarket’s story, highlighting some of the heritage and people that define the town’s character.
Learn more

Heritage Festival

The NMSC produced the Newmarket Heritage Festival, an annual celebration of the arts, culture, history and community spirit, bringing together an eclectic mix of performer and artisans, residents and visitors, for a giant block party right in the center of the historic downtown village district.
Learn more

Engine House Restoration

The historic 1852 Engine House—home to Tiger No. 1, the town’s first, hand-pumped fire engine—got a much-needed restoration thanks to the NMSC.
Learn more

Arts Community

The NMSC supported the launch of the Lamprey Arts and Cultural Alliance, now operating as The MillSpace.
Learn more

Our Mission

The Newmarket Main Street Corporation is dedicated to celebrating Newmarket’s story.
We aim to strengthen the historic and cultural characteristics of our community, preserving the legacy of Newmarket for future generations.

We strive to educate and inspire, collaborating with other town organizations to encourage the participation and community spirit that make Newmarket a vibrant place to live and visit.

The NMSC is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all contributions may be tax deductible
(Tax ID #02-0497634)

Meet Our Members

Suki Casanave

Suki Casanave

Member since 2024

Bio
Ranan Cohen

Ranan Cohen

Member since 2002

Bio
Diana Fainberg

Diana Fainberg

Member since 2024

Bio
Janice Galloway

Janice Galloway

Member since 2002

Bio
Mike Hoffman

Mike Hoffman

Member since 2016

Bio
Bob Legault

Bob LeGault

Member since 2011

Bio
Dave LeGault

David LeGault

Member since 1998

Bio
Denise Spicher

Denise Spicher

Member since 2024

Bio
Doug Spicher

Doug Spicher

Member since 2024

Bio

Past Members

John Ahlgren, Wildfred Beaulieu, Heather Bowen, Jennifer Buchanan, Rod Collins, Karl Gilbert, Dana Glennon, Ronna Hamelin, Lisa Henderson, Nancy Jablonski, Jon Kiper, Ethel MacIntosh, Adrian Major, Martha McNeil, Brian Morrison, Kathleen Murphy, Jon Nolan, Michael Ploski, Michael Provost, Debbie Reed, Judith Ryan, Preston Samuel, Clay Serenbetz, Harvard Sitkoff, Mary Terwiske

History, culture, diversity—and community spirit!

Help us celebrate Newmarket’s story.

Reach out. Get involved.
Suki Casanave

Suki Casanave

(2024-present)

Long-time director of the Newmarket Heritage Festival, Suki has lived in Newmarket for nearly 30 years. A former member of the Newmarket Conservation Commission and a founding member of the Newmarket Gardeners (now Blooming Newmarket), Suki is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in national and regional publications.

These days, she works from her home office not far from Great Bay, writing mostly about conservation work in Africa for The Nature Conservancy.

“I love walking to town, across the Lamprey and through the mills that once churned out yards of textiles, a reminder of Newmarket’s hard-working roots—a testament to the spirit that shaped this community, past and present.”

Ranan Cohen

Ranan Cohen

(2002-present)

A founding member of the NMSC, Ranan Cohen served as president of the group for many years. A former member of the Newmarket Town Council, Ranan also served on the Newmarket Tomorrow Committee, the Newmarket Community Development Corporation, and the Newmarket Conservation Commission.

A clinical nutritionist in private practice, Ranan has lived in Newmarket for more than three decades and often walks into town from his home across the river. He loves seeing people out and about enjoying the historic, walkable downtown village area.

“I feel lucky to have landed in Newmarket, where it’s possible to get involved and help protect and enhance the things we love about our community.”

Diana Fainberg

Diana Fainberg

(2024-present)

Diana is a recent resident of Newmarket, having relocated from northern New Jersey in the winter of 2024. She is an urban planner, having worked over 40 years in consulting and private development and operating her own firm since 1997. In New Jersey, she served on the boards of the Meadowlands Chamber and other organizations devoted to economic development and transportation. She enjoys singing with the choral group Con Tutti in Portsmouth and learning about all the Seacoast has to offer.

Diana was attracted to Newmarket by its active and historic downtown, and the abundant water and open space in the area. “Everyone I’ve met has been so friendly, and so committed to supporting the character and environment of the town.”

Janice Galloway

Janice Galloway

(2002-present)

A Newmarket resident since 1985, Jan was a fifth-grade teacher for 41 years at Lincoln Akerman School in Hampton Falls. She joined the NMSC in 2002 and was a longtime member of the Heritage Festival Committee, working all year to help organize the popular weekend event.

Today, she is proud to support the NMSC historic plaque project. Jan’s other volunteer activities include serving as a driver for Ready Rides, transporting people in need to doctor appointments and hospital visits. She also serves on the board of the Sleepy Hollow Cooperative, her 87-unit residential park.

When she’s not in Newmarket, she’s on the road traveling the country and the world. “But I love coming home to Newmarket and supporting the work of the NMSC, as we find ways to celebrate and preserve the history of our little town.”

Mike Hoffman

Mike Hoffman

(2016-present)

President of the NMSC, Mike is a retired firefighter, former owner of the Stone Church, and current owner of a variety of downtown properties. He is all about “making it better” and enjoys finding ways to make Newmarket more interesting.

Mike says he overuses the word “vibrant,” and he’s known for his “wouldn’t it be cool if. . . .” ideas. He describes himself as a social capitalist and cherishes Newmarket’s positive energy and historic architecture.

“Being a small town means we know each other and support each other—and we can all make a difference.”

Bob Legault

Bob LeGault

(2011-present)

A Newmarket native, Bob retired in May 2024 from Daifuku, where he was the director of planning and installation of warehouse picking systems for large international companies. In 2008, Bob joined the Heritage Festival committee and later became vendor coordinator for the event. For more than a decade, Bob has been spearheading the NMSC’s historic plaque project, designed to replace the wooden plaques displaying name and building dates, which were falling into disrepair. The new weather-resistant bronze plaque, include snippets of Newmarket history and celebrate the town’s heritage, educating residents and visitors alike.

“Newmarket is a great little town, and I’ve enjoyed all the historical details that have surfaced during the research of each plaque.”

Dave LeGault

David LeGault

(1998-present)

A charter member and longtime treasurer of the NMSC, Dave is a retired facilities manager with Medtronic. He served as logistics director for the Newmarket Heritage Festival for most of the event’s 17 years. A Newmarket native, Dave is also past president and current vice president of the New Market Historical Society and a former member of the Newmarket Conservation Commission. He has been part of supporting a number of projects through the years, including the undergrounding of the utilities and downtown Main Street renovations and the restoration of the historic Tiger #1 Engine House. As a Lamprey Arts and Culture Alliance board member, Dave helped lead the creation of the Millspace, which was supported by the NMSC.

“I am committed to initiatives that help to maintain Newmarket as a special place to live.”

Denise Spicher

Denise Spicher

(2024-present)

After living in several states across the country for the last 30 years, Denise was happy to return to her New England roots when she moved to Newmarket in 2023—where her grandmother once worked in the mills! During her career in marketing research and, currently, in real estate sales and investing, she has enjoyed championing small businesses and small towns and is excited to support the NMSC’s efforts to shape a thriving town for both residents and businesses. A volunteer at the Newmarket Library, Denise has also been involved with Meals on Wheels, Family Promise, and Habitat for Humanity.

“I love being able to walk into town and grab a meal, coffee, groceries, or books—and see people I know. The small-town charm appeals to me, and I want to be a part of helping Newmarket maintain that charm and continue to evolve.”

Doug Spicher

Doug Spicher

(2024-present)

Doug returned to New England in 2023 after living across the country for more than 30 years, including time in North Carolina, Texas, Minnesota, Colorado, and California. He is thrilled to be enjoying the seasons of New England again (yes, even winter)—and especially happy to have found Newmarket as a place to settle. 

Doug’s technology career started at Travelocity and spanned multiple companies, including AT&T, the National Football League, and Viking Cruises. For the past decade, he and his wife, Denise, have run their own real estate sales and investment business. Doug’s volunteer work has included service on church leadership teams, homelessness task forces, and assorted town commissions. “The eclectic charm and rich history of our small town make it particularly special. I’m excited by the opportunity to serve the NMSC in support of Newmarket’s continuing evolution as a vibrant place to gather and do business.”