|
Message from the President
Dear Friends of Chase's Mill,
Imagine hosting exhibits at the Mill on the history of manufacturing and waterpower in New England alongside those on future possibilities of sustainable energy. Envision a space where adults and children take classes on woodworking, boat building and related crafts, and where people of all ages use the space to create their own projects. This is our vision and overall objective.
Through the generous support of individuals, foundations, and other organizations coming together to rehabilitate Chase's Mill and return it to the community as a living museum and a makerspace, we have achieved a great deal in the first half of 2016:
- Chase's Mill is now listed on the State of New Hampshire's Registries of Historic Buildings.
- Since initiating our capital campaign in June, we have applied for $375,000 in grants from foundations dedicated to historic preservation.
- We have begun reaching out to individuals and organizations for long-term support and have strengthened and expanded our partnerships with other nonprofits that share a similar commitment to sparking the imagination of children and adults for the future.
- We are raising funds to purchase the Mill in November.
- We have four new terrific board members with expertise in fundraising and nonprofits, communications, boat building and woodworking.
- We completed a working draft of a four-year Business Plan that includes a phased approach to opening to the community in 2020.
- We've continued restoration work on the windows at the Mill, and also met with the Dam Safety Bureau to plan for its future.
Our goals for the second half of 2016 include:
- Complete the purchase of the Mill in November 2016.
- Raise a minimum of an additional $100,000 in cash to stabilize the structure and prevent further deterioration, plus provide for operating expenses.
- Win each of the grants we've applied for.
- Begin the process of interviewing the necessary professionals to oversee the rehabilitation phase of the mill.
- Significantly expand our donor base by earning your trust through our commitment to transparency and good governance.
As you read through this issue, you'll learn more about some of these accomplishments and goals. As always, we need your continued support. There are many ways you can participate in this exciting effort. Please consider making a generous one-time or recurring donation. You can also volunteer your expertise or connect us to others who might want to be involved. It's your Mill!
Remember to bring family and friends to tour the Mill and learn more about its history and its future. It is open most Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 noon.
Thank you.
Sharon Spaulding, President, and Bob Brown, Vice President
|
|
|
Thank You NH Preservation Alliance
Photo by Heather Holloway
Sharon Spaulding, MHHA president, welcomes Chase Mill guests on July 10. The guests were donors of the NH Preservation Alliance's Rick and Duffy Monahon fund. NHPA's Executive Director Jennifer Goodman is at the left.
On Sun., July 10, MHHA hosted a "Thank You" event to express our appreciation to the donors of the NH Preservation Alliance's Rick and Duffy Monahon fund. MHHA received the first matching grant from this fund last fall enabling us to conduct an engineering needs assessment, now an important part of our business plan. About 40 people attended, including NHPA's Executive Director, Jennifer Goodman, and board member Pat Meyers.
In 2009, NHPA designated Chase's Mill as one of the state's seven most important historic structures to save. Receiving both this designation and later this grant, allowed us to take important steps in our planning process and has added an important element of support for our vision and goals. We look forward to a long partnership with NHPA. Learn more about their statewide efforts at: www.nhpreservation.org.
Bob Brown giving tour of the Mill. Photo by Marilou Blaine
|
|
Changes to the MHHA Board
After four years as President, founding member
Dan Curll is now an emeritus member. His vision of the Mill has been a driving force in the formation of MHHA, and his leadership has been a guiding factor in our success. Dan continues as an advisor and key supporter.
Anton Elbers has stepped aside to pursue other commitments. His experience in nonprofit governance has been invaluable in the formulation of our best practices.
Nathan Lyzak, who created our website, has also turned over his board responsibilities, but remains a key volunteer.
We welcome
Betsy Anderson, a long-time summer resident of Alstead, whose (former) husband is a descendant of Ezra and Calista Kidder, builders of the Brick House across from the Mill. Betsy has a distinguished career in the nonprofit world, initiating many state and national organizations with families of children with special health needs. She has experience writing (federal) grants and writing articles and materials for families and health professionals. She has an appointment at Harvard Medical School and co-chairs the FamilY Partnerships Network for the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Marilou Blaine is a former educator and newspaper reporter and editor for The Keene Sentinel. She is Secretary of the Walpole (NH) Planning and Zoning Boards and has served as School Outreach Coordinator at Great River Arts Institute.
Bryony Romer is a strategist and leader with over 20 years' experience in fund-raising, organizational development, strategic planning, and project management for national and regional arts organizations. She is a life-long summer resident of East Alstead, NH, and she earned her B.A. degree from Yale University and an M.F.A. from Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts.
Wade Smith is a master boat builder and 22-year veteran of the trade with expertise in design, building, recording, and instruction. He is an accomplished expeditioner and has competed in numerous races as well as the Atlantic Challenge, a biannual contest of seamanship. A native of Charlestown, Wade is relocating to East Alstead.
|
|
|
Put Your Amazon Shopping Dollars to Work
Here's how:
- Go to www.smile.amazon.com. Log in to your existing Amazon account, or create an Amazon account.
- Search "Mill Hollow Heritage Association" and select it as your charity.
- Amazon will then donate to MHHA 0.5% of your purchase prices. It adds up over time!
|
|
How to Support the Mill
Stay up-to-date on Mill activities and the planning process while showing your support. MHHA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Your contributions help offset operating expenses such as printing, postage, materials, and other basic costs.
Donations may be made online here:
Donate
or, checks made out to MHHA may be mailed to:
MHHA, PO Box 825, Keene NH 03431
Thank you!
|
|
With foundation stones dating to 1767, Chase's Mill has an important story to tell about the history of community and manufacturing in New England, but it is also a nexus intended to spark the imagination for the future. MHHA is a 501(c)(3) working to rehabilitate the structure and reopen to the public as a living museum and a makerspace in 2020.
|
|
|
|
|
Visit the Mill.
Tours available
Saturdays
10am-noon
through Oct. 1
|
|
