1772 Grant Recipient: Wilder-Holton House

The Lancaster Historical Society is one of sixteen grantees in 2023 for funds through The 1772 Foundation for work on the Wilder-Holton House

The Historical Society is taking the first step in restoring this National Register-listed building by repairing the severely compromised sills of their 1780 house museum. The building was listed to the N.H. Preservation Alliance’s Seven to Save in 2021, and a Preservation Alliance building assessment identified the sills as a top priority. This $5,000 grant, along with matching funds raised at the society’s summer flea market and other retail sales, will support sill replacement. The building assessment also identified future projects including window restoration that will be incrementally accomplished to fully restore this historic house and museum, the oldest structure in the North Country town of 3,100 people.

“The Wilder-Holton House means so much to the people of Lancaster. Built in 1780 by Jonas Wilder, is now a museum whose collections all relate to the history of Lancaster. Just as important is the building, a historic treasure itself and deserving of restoration. “We are happy to begin this process with thanks to the people of Lancaster and a grant from the 1772 Foundation via the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance,” said Sharon Chamberlain, secretary of the Lancaster Historical Society.