DALTON, Mass. — The Fitch-Hoose House museum is in need of a paint job.

 

Historical Commission co-Chair Louisa M. Horth said at Wednesday's meeting that the paint is starting to peel and weather, and would need to be repainted this year or next year.

 

Commissioners are unsure how much the project would cost but will approach Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson to inquire on the best way to get funding for the project. 

 

In 2014, the Historical Commission got a grant from the "Promoting Community Development and Tourism in Central and Western Massachusetts" program in the amount of $180,000 grant to restore the 1840s-era house. 

 

The back addition with its kitchen and bedroom had been taken off several years ago because of its condition but was added back on during the restoration. 

 

Over the years, the home has gone through a variety of changes, from the color to the now gone vinyl siding and the commission has worked to make the exterior as historically accurate as possible. 

 

In 2019, the Fitch-Hoose House's restoration received the Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award.

 

In other news: 

 

• The commission announced that the historic home has had a lot of visitors this summer.

 

• The commission approved another donation of $500 to First Congregational Church to demonstrate appreciation for allowing it to store items there at no cost. 

 

This is the third time the commission approved a donation to the church, donating a total of $1,500 using its Friends account.