American Plan Hospitality

This event is part of the Museum’s free Summer 2019 Speaker Series, which will accompany our exhibition “The Grand Hotels of the White Mountains,” on view May 17-September 12, 2019. 

The American plan hospitality heritage is rooted in the way in which pioneer families living on the frontier of New England in the early years of our nation accommodated occasional travelers passing by their homes along trails in the wilderness.  This rustic homespun tradition naturally evolved into the core operating principle of destination Grand Resorts.

Stephen Barba spent 48 years at The BALSAMS in Dixville Notch working his first three summers as a caddy and more than three decades as president and managing partner. In his first twelve summers Barba worked at a variety of the Hotel’s seasonal jobs where he learned the art of service and earned the rewards of hard work.  Throughout his years in management he served as an active volunteer and leader in many professional and community organizations.  He received numerous awards, including: the National Resort Executive of the Year; Master of New England Inn-keeping; New Hampshire Innkeeper of the Year; New Hampshire Business Leader of the Year; and he was honored for his life-time achievements by eight state and regional organizations.  In the spring of 2006 Barba accepted a senior post in the cabinet of the president of Plymouth State University.  For ten years Barba was the University’s principal contact for business, community, state and federal legislative issues.