DALTON, Mass. — The Historical Commission is reviewing financing options so that it can repaint the Fitch-Hoose House museum. 

 

Commission co-Chair Louisa M. Horth had said in August that the nearly 200-year-old house is in need of repainting.

 

The paint is starting to peel and weather, and would need to be repainted this year or next year, she said. The house was painted six or seven years ago during a restoration. 

 

According to Town Manager Tom Hutcheson, the commission will need to provide the Select Board with two quotes for how much the project will cost and was recommended to look into applying for a grant, Horth said during commissioners' meeting on Wednesday. 

 

Until they have a better idea of what the project will cost it is unclear what funding route they will take, whether it's through a grant, the Historical Commission budget, or through an article at town meeting. 

 

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 now gone vinyl siding to the yellow color 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 fireproof cabinet is coming in next Wednesday. 

 

• The commission announced that it has received requests from residents for its reissuing of the book "Down Memory Lane." More information here.