Page 1 Union Leader Article, March 31, 2012 Page 2 Union Leader Article

Press Release, April 14, 2012

Dunbarton Town Hall & Theatre Restoration Project

Proposed Concept
Proposed Concept with Captions
Slide Show (very large file-may take several minutes to download)
Tell Us Your Story

PHOTOS

A bit of history:
The Dunbarton Town Hall was re-built in 1909 after a dedicated group of residents came together using $5,000 bequeathed by Charles Chase for the Town of Dunbarton.  Over the past 100 years, this magnificent building has served as a community meeting house for a variety of social events as well as serving as a police station, school house and offices for town officials.  In 1995, renovations to the first floor allowed the Dunbarton Public Library to move in.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that this historic community landmark does not meet updated building codes, residents have been unable to access the second floor for over 20 years.  As a result, we have been unable to share a wide variety of community events.  Additionally, the use of the second floor would meet Dunbarton's need for additional meeting space for town related business and school activities.

Plans for today:
After a year of positive discussions with residents, a town committee was appointed by the Dunbarton Selectmen in 2010 to serve with the following mission statement.

The Dunbarton Town Hall & Theatre Restoration Committee:
"It is our mission to RESTORE the Dunbarton Town Hall for future generations
and allow it to be the heart of our community again serving the needs of all residents."

At this time, the trustees are in the process of submitting an application to IRS for 501(c)3 status for fund raising activities next year.  In addition the trustees have submitted an application to the NH Division of Historical Resources to have the Dunbarton Town Hall recognized on the NH State Register of Historic Places.  This status acknowledges the historical significance of the building to the community of Dunbarton as well as qualifies us for grants and preservation funding.

Priorities:
1. To 'Restore" the second floor of the Dunbarton Town Hall to meet ADA and building code requirements.  This restoration project does not include additions to the building.
2. Research & apply for alternative funding including state, federal and private grants in conjunction with local support.  A full array of volunteer services will be utilized.

2011
I. Planning Phase

2012 & 2013
II. Fund raising & Grant Writing Phase

2014
III. Construction Phase

2015
Celebrate Dunbarton's 250th Birthday

"Get Involved and Make a Difference for Dunbarton!"
"Do you like to write press releases?"
"Do you have experience in the construction business?
 carpenters, plumbers, electricians..."
"Would you like to work with a team of event planners?"
"Do you have grant writing experience?"

The following sub-committees have been formed to execute this historic project:
* Fund raising Events & Tours
* Construction
* Public Relations
* Grant Writing
* Future Use of Space
* Historic Preservation
Please email Tiffany Dodd at restoretownhall@gsinet.net for more information.

"GOT PICTURES?"
The Dunbarton Town Hall & Theatre Restoration Committee is looking for old photos of events taking place on the second floor of the Dunbarton Town Hall.  The photos will be scanned and included with grant applications.  It is an excellent way to demonstrate the usefulness of this irreplaceable landmark over the past 100 years.