FAQ

WHO is MASCOMA VALLEY PRESERVATION?

We’re a regional nonprofit dedicated to saving and re-purposing historic buildings in the Mascoma Valley towns of Canaan, Dorchester, Enfield, Grafton, and Orange, New Hampshire.
 

Why save the grafton center Meetinghouse?

We believe that historic buildings have many values - economic, historic, sacred, and architectural to name a few. In the case of Grafton Center’s Meetinghouse, it deserves to be saved because it’s a critical anchor in the village, it’s in fair condition (despite the fire in January 2016), many Graftonites and neighbors have fond memories there, and its transformation will be a point of pride in the area.

What is Seven to Save?

The NH Preservation Alliance added the Grafton Center Meetinghouse and Canaan’s B&M freight shed to their Seven to Save list in October 2017. This recognition grants Mascoma Valley Preservation special services from the statewide nonprofit and gives us “bonus points” for some statewide grants.
 

HOW will the MEetinghouse be used?

We will be re-purposing the Grafton Center Meetinghouse as a marketplace/general store. Upstairs, there will be space for community events.

MVP will retain ownership of the building and control the exterior/interior aesthetics.

There are several models of nonprofit-owned general stores in New Hampshire, including in Harrisville, South Acworth, Francestown, Eaton, and Hooksett. Other creative models exist in Canterbury, Freedom, and Lancaster.

WILL MVP PAY PROPERY TAXES?

It is our goal to reinvest in our communities. Long term, yes - we want to put these properties back on the tax rolls after substantial investment. In order to get to that point, though, MVP may need to seek temporary tax relief.

HOW DOES MVP ACQUIRE PROPERTIES?

If the price is right, and if it helps expedite the sale, we may purchase a property. In the case of the Grafton Center Meetinghouse, MVP purchased it for $7,000 and agreed to pay the Town of Grafton back taxes and liens, for a grand total of over $20,000.

In other cases, we accept donated buildings. That was the case with the generous gift of the Kimball Mill.

Sometimes, MVP can step in to solve complicated legal issues with a building. This was the case with Cheever Chapel, where we were able to get a land surveyor’s opinion and a lawyer to navigate transferring the orphaned property. But some contested buildings come with too much legal nightmares for our board; with limited resources, we prefer to put our money into preservation…not court fees.

As a volunteer organization, MVP tries to be strategic in our acquisitions. We look for buildings at the right price, that have historic and architectural integrity, great potential for reuse, and/or build off our mission of being a group with a regional focus.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

You’re too kind! Donations are always welcome. By donating, you’re helping get our projects off the ground.

We’re also always looking for help cleaning up our properties, so drop us a line with your interest.