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Meet the People Behind the Project
Who we are: The Mont Vernon Heritage Commission is a group of community members appointed by the Board of Selectmen to preserve the history and heritage of Mont Vernon through tax-deductible private funding and grants. The Commission manages the restoration project directly — working with architects and contractors, overseeing each phase of work from planning through completion, and raising funds through capital reserves and private donations. Grant applications are researched and written by a town-employed grant manager. Municipal grants typically require a 50% match — which is why we are active in the community with fundraising initiatives, keeping the Heritage Fund growing without complete reliance on taxpayers. The Heritage Fund provides the matching dollars for grants secured on behalf of the Commission.
Our mission is bigger than one building: The Heritage Commission was established to preserve all of Mont Vernon's historic town-owned buildings and structures — beginning with the Town Hall, and extending to the old library and McCollom building in future phases. While the Town Hall restoration is currently the heart of our work, our responsibilities don't end there. By state statute (RSA), the Commission must be consulted on all Historic District Commission cases involving architectural change, and we report to the Planning Board on architectural properties outside the Historic District. We're also a resource for community members looking to maintain their own historic structures — and while grant funding isn't typically available for privately owned properties, state and federal tax credits may apply, and we can assist with listing homes and structures on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
A milestone in progress: Our survey of Mont Vernon's Historic District is complete and has been submitted to the National Park Service for approval. If accepted, the entire Historic District will be listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a whole — a significant recognition for our town. We plan to extend that survey beyond the Historic District once the Town Hall project allows.
Nine years of commitment: The Heritage Commission has been steadily building the Heritage Fund for nine years, through seasonal sales, raffles, warrant articles, and the generosity of this community. Phase 1 is now underway. We won't stop until all four phases are complete.
Come to a meeting: Heritage Commission meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm in the Fire Station meeting room. All are welcome.
Contact: heritagecommission@montvernonnh.us
Heritage Commission Agendas and Meeting Minutes
Current Members:
Rebecca Schwarz, Chair
Brian Billow, Vice Chair
Linda Harrop, Secretary
Mike Fimbel, Selectmen's Rep, Voting Member
Jay Goodell, Planning Board Rep, Voting Member
Anna Rorbacher-Szok, Alternate
Sarah Beth Ross, Alternate
Tim Berry, Alternate - Building Subcommittee Member
Michael Cardoza, Alternate - Building Subcommittee Member
Steve Workman, Alternate - Building Subcommittee Member
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