Seven to Save: Mont Vernon Town Hall

Mont Vernon’s Old Meetinghouse was built in 1781 from oak timbers supplied by local farmers when the town separated from nearby Amherst. In 1837, after the passage of the Toleration Acts, it was moved across the street and expanded to include a second story, with religious functions housed on the second floor and town offices on the first.

Today, as the Town Hall, the building needs critical improvements to continue to function safely and effectively. The Mont Vernon Historical Society Museum occupies the large open second floor, where the old choir box was converted to a stage for public performances when the house of worship moved to its new home across the street. Today, accessibility and code issues limit use of this space.

The building was added to the State Register in 2016 as an early step in the town’s efforts to address the building’s worsening condition. Structural and foundation work are essential, as well as electrical, fire safety, heating, and energy efficiency upgrades. The roof was replaced this summer.

Mont Vernon’s residents support preserving the Town Hall building, but the Town’s limited tax base requires additional resources to accomplish the phased strategy championed to rehabilitate this building. The loss of the Town Hall would be a severe blow to Mont Vernon’s historic character. Preserving it for continued public use and enjoyment will benefit all Mont Vernon citizens.