On episode 36 of Granite Goodness Andy talks to Alex Nunn & J.L. Stevens from Portsmouth’s famed Makerspace. The three discuss:
Finding Community: Alex found his place in New Hampshire through creative groups like New Hampshire Media Makers and helped build Port City Makerspace, a collaborative workshop for creators.
The Makerspace Mission: Port City Makerspace provides tools, resources, and workshops in areas like woodworking, metalworking, electronics, and textiles, fostering creativity and learning.
Impactful Projects: Members have built everything from Surf Saunas and arbors to knife-making and visible mending projects, showcasing diverse skills and ideas.
Community Partnerships: The makerspace collaborates with organizations like Lydia’s House of Hope to offer hands-on skill-building workshops, such as welding, to empower underserved communities.
A Space for Everyone: Both Alex and J.L. emphasize that the makerspace is for all skill levels—whether you want to learn, create, or connect, it’s a welcoming hub for creativity and community.
and more!
Alex Nunn is the Manager at the Port City Makerspace. J.L. Stevens is the Director of Engagement at the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth.
Links & Notes
Please watch this video of a trebuchet built at the Makerspace
This episode was recorded at Treeline Outfitters in Portsmouth, NH
Music by Sneaky Miles
Youtube
AI Generated Episode Summary*
Full summary available on granitegoodness.com
Alex, what brought you to New Hampshire and how did you get involved with the community here?
I moved to New Hampshire when I was very young, around three or four. I lived in Stratham for a while, then Dover, and now Rochester. It took me a while to find my footing here, but as I got older, I began seeking out creative communities. I first connected with groups like the New Hampshire Media Makers meetup in Newmarket, and that’s where I met people who shared my passion for creativity.
What inspired you to get involved with the Port City Makerspace?
I was running a small maker meetup group in Dover called Seacoast Makers with my sister Georgine. Around the same time, three friends who’d studied at Green Mountain College—Clint Crosby, Ross Bean, and Zach Robinson—were working on the idea of starting a makerspace. They reached out to me because they’d noticed my group, and I thought, “This is it.” I volunteered at Port City Makerspace from the start and eventually became the general manager.
What exactly is a makerspace, and what makes it special?
A makerspace is a shared workshop where people can access tools, resources, and a collaborative environment to create things they otherwise couldn’t at home. It’s for everyone—artists, tinkerers, engineers, hobbyists—anyone with a project in mind. What makes it special is the community: it’s not just about tools, it’s about people sharing skills and supporting each other.
J.L. how did you get involved with the makerspace?
I answered a call for board members when I was looking to transition from another nonprofit board. I loved the idea of a creative space, even though I’m not as hands-on as others. I enjoy telling the stories of the makers and learning from them. I’ve dabbled with tools like the Cricut, and I’m tempted to try a welding class one day—Neil runs an amazing intro course.
Alex, what kinds of tools and workshops can people find at the makerspace?
We have everything from a woodshop, a metal shop, and an electronics lab to spaces for textiles, automotive work, and bikes. Recently, we’ve been adding a pottery studio. We also offer laser cutting, welding workshops, and classes for people who want to learn niche skills. It's like a giant creative playground.
What types of projects have been made at Port City Makerspace?
Oh, so many! Early on, we had a group build a Surf Sauna—a portable barrel-style sauna on a trailer. Some people have made arbors for Strawberry Banke, and others focus on things like knife-making or visible mending in the textile lab. The range is incredible—everything from practical repairs to wild creative experiments.
J.L. what’s your favorite part of being involved in the makerspace?
It’s the people. The space feels like a quirky, messy fortress full of makers doing their own thing. There’s no pretense; everyone’s genuine and eager to share their work. I love hearing about their projects and the stories behind them. It’s inspiring to see such creativity and passion.
Alex, how does the makerspace help people beyond creative hobbies?
We’ve partnered with groups like Lydia’s House of Hope, which supports unhoused mothers. Through our scholarship program, we’ve run welding workshops to help participants gain hands-on skills and confidence. Even if they don’t become certified welders, it’s a taste of something new and potentially life-changing.
Do you see makerspaces as community-building tools?
Absolutely. Beyond making physical things, we’re creating a community where people collaborate, learn, and grow. Makerspaces aren’t just for solo inventors; they’re about sharing knowledge and solving problems together. Everyone learns from everyone else—it’s like standing on the shoulders of giants.
J.L. if you could encourage someone to visit the makerspace, what would you say?
Just come see it. You don’t need to know anything—curiosity is enough. Whether you want to fix an old record player, learn a new skill, or just meet creative people, there’s a place for you here. It’s a welcoming, inspiring space that might just spark your next big idea.
*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
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