SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Dewey Memorial Hall has received a donation boost toward its preservation and planning goals.
Housatonic Heritage has granted a $15,000 Heritage Partnership grant. This will go toward a $35,000 matching grant for feasibility and planning from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities fund announced in July.
"This $15,000 gets us much closer toward raising the match for the MCCF grant. The total cost of the project is unknown, but it is likely to exceed $70,000," said Dewey Hall President Beth Carlson. "This is vital foundational work necessary for the stable future of Dewey Hall."
While working to secure the full match the hall will contract with an architectural firm for an Historic Structures Report that includes a conditions assessment and master plan.
The hall was built on Sheffield's Green in 1887 in memory of Orville Dewey, a community leader and pastor. It served for many years as the town library and community hub.
In recent years the organization responsible for the stewardship of Dewey Memorial Hall have revived the hall with community programming and events, geared toward celebration of the community through a variety of arts. It hosts about 100 gatherings and events a year.
But the building, designed by William Ralph Emerson, has had few alterations in its 135 years. The organization plans to use this foundational work as a stepping stone for long term strategic planning and future capital grants.
A request for proposals was sent out this month to qualified preservation architects with a deadline of Jan. 31 for proposals. A site visit for interested architectural firms is scheduled for Jan. 5. Any firms interested in applying should contact deweymemorialhall@gmail.com.
The hall is also seeking to raise $40,000 through its Reaching for the Stars annual appeal for ongoing operation and preservation of the hall as a community resource. The appeal will culminate in a Celestial Ball on Feb. 10, a new event for the organization.
The annual appeal campaign funds will not be applied toward the Historic Structures Report and master plan. As Carlson stated,
"We have to raise funds for this project over and above our annual campaign donations," said Carlson. "I am confident we will reach both goals. This is a first important step in a long term plan that will create a more secure future for the hall."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Hoffmann Bird Club Field Trips: Tyringham
TYRINGHAM, Mass. — On May 22, Search for spring migrating and resident warblers, flycatchers, swallows, and raptors at several sites in the beautiful Tyringham Valley.
Fairly easy walking on roads and trails. The trip will be approximately 3 hours.
Meet at Lee's Big Y parking lot at 7 AM and plan to carpool.
Slated for the entire month of June 2024, the Designer Showcase will highlight the work of more than a dozen local and regional designers, as well as landscape architects and visual artists. click for more
The novel also explores other ethical and sensitive topics such as people-pleasing, sexual assault, and other prevalent issues in society.
click for more
Thanks to a $2 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott's foundation Yield Giving, CATA is aiming to expand these efforts even further.
click for more
Taylor Garabedian scored a team-high 22 points and grabbed five rebounds, and Abby Scialabba scored 16 points for the ‘Canes, who got 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists from Ashlyn Lesure. click for more
On Saturday afternoon at Lowell’s Tsongas Center, the Hurricanes will take aim at Division 5 State Championships in girls and boys basketball. click for more