Museum News

December 2008 -The 4th Annual Festival of Lights Benefit Dinner and Auction, held on December 6th, was once again a great success. Thanks to the staff at the
Roundhouse at Jackson Gore for all their consideration while helping the museum board of directors prepare for the festivities. The tables were set with holiday centerpieces donated by Bushey's Garden Center.
Wreaths, supplied by Marion's Floral Shoppe, were decorated by various individuals and businesses. Wreaths, gift certificates and many great gift items, generously donated, were part of the silent auction that was held before and during the fabulous buffet dinner. Andy Scott provided the musical entertainment adding to the fun of the evening. Ron Unterman was the auctioneer for the live auction where more wreaths, live decorated trees, a holiday quilt made by Susan Zabransky and many other unique items were sold
to the highest bidder. Thank you to all who came to the event, helping The Mount Holly Community Historical Museum reach another Perkins House renovation fundraising milestone. Thank you to all the individuals and businesses who donated to the event...your generosity is deeply appreciated.
Click HERE for a list of donors, and HERE for photos of the Festival of Lights.

August 2008 - Successful Perkins House Open House. Our Perkins House Open House was a great success and we were delighted with a surprise visit by donors of the property, Todd McCabe and Alice Bennett and their family. Click HERE for photos.

June 2008 - Painting of the Perkins House Barn.

Retiree and volunteer, Terry Wilcox. Terry's career included winning a competition for a large painting job at the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. Mr. Wilcox is donating his time painting the Perkins House barn. Frank and Lorene Sanborn, owners of Yankee Paint in Rutland, are donating the materials. These are two examples of community service at its best.

Readers are invited to visit the Blacksmith Shop Museum and, by appointment, view our restoration progress at the Perkins House facility.

May 2008 - Counterpoint Concert to Benefit the Museum - Press Release

October 2007 - Museum Facilities Update - Click HERE.

May 2006 - Chase Quilt Inspires Donor Acknowledgement - Click HERE to read more.

December 2006 - Successful Fundraiser- 2nd Annual Festival of Lights - Click HERE for photos.

December 2006 - Perkins House Update to read about the Perkins House progress.

October 2006 - Mount Holly Community Historical Museum Awarded $45,000 Preservation Grant for Perkins House Restoration Project

The Mount Holly Community Historical Museum Board of Trustees is honored to announce that the Perkins House Project will be assisted by a Preservation Grant, made possible by a partnership between the Freeman Foundation and the Preservation Trust of Vermont. The grant of $45,000, coupled with funds from community members, will make Phase 2 of the project a reality. Phase 2, which will begin soon, includes roofing, repairing exterior woodwork, painting and window conservation. Phase 2 will also include reconstruction of the barn. Click HERE for a PDF document with more information.

August 20, 2006 - First annual FarmFest held on The Green in Belmont. Click HERE for photos of this fun event.

August 4, 2006 - The Perkins House was moved back onto its new foundation on Friday morning around 11:30 a.m. according to Pete Josselyn, contractor. Museum Board members and many onlookers took in the sight! Phase I is now complete. We are actively raising funds for Phase II and would appreciate any and all contributions toward it. Contact Maggieblane@aol.com for more information.

July 13th, 2006 - UP, UP AND AWAY

The Mount Holly Community Historical Museum celebrated another milestone in the Perkins House Renovation Project. The House, in Belmont, was moved on July 13th, from its 1850's foundation by crane onto cribbing set up in the adjacent Baptist church parking area. With the building moved off site, the new foundation and basement can be constructed. Contractor, David Josselyn directed operators from Miller Construction crane service, who expertly moved the house to its temporary location. The Perkins House, when finished, will be a year round facility providing gallery, storage and work space much needed for the well being of the museum's extensive collection.

May 27th 2006 - Govenor Douglas Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony for Mount Holly Museum Restoration Project at Perkins House on the Belmont Green

Gov. Jim Douglas joined museum directors and community members at the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase I of the Perkins House Restoration Project. Phase I will include taking down the barn (to be reconstructed), raising the house, excavating for a curtain drain, excavating for and installing a new basement under the entire building, building a new floor for the barn and re-flooring and resettling the house. A reception followed at The Odd Fellows Hall.

Above: Governor Jim Douglas speaks at groundbreaking ceremony.

Above: Lory Doolittle, Museum Chairwoman speaks.