Ruggles Mine, Laconia institution on ‘Seven to Save’ list

CONCORD, N.H. – A mica mine that closed as a tourist attraction in 2016 and the site of a institution for children with developmental disabilities are among the properties featured on the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s latest “Seven to Save” list.

This is the 12th year the organization has highlighted seven properties, their historical or architectural significance and the threats they face. The list announced Tuesday night includes Ruggles Mine in Grafton, the oldest and largest mine of its kind in the United States. The state is in the early stages of exploring whether to turn it into a state park.

Also on the list is the Laconia State School, which served as a residential facility for people with disabilities before it was shut down in 1991. It later served as a minimum-security prison.