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Laconia Historical & Museum Society previews museum reopening, seeks tenant leads and fundraising help
Summary
The Laconia Historical and Museum Society reported volunteer hours, collection work and a plan to reopen a museum space at 65 Water Street in June; the society asked for help finding commercial tenants for rental space and reported progress on a roof campaign and other conservation work.
Representatives of the Laconia Historical and Museum Society updated the City Council on April 28 about collections work, volunteer hours and plans to reopen a museum in June at 65 Water Street.
“T his building supports larger industries and significant local businesses,” the society’s presenter said, describing the building’s historical role as the former car shops site that later housed local newspapers and businesses. The presenter identified holdings that include notable local collections — material from EJ Gallagher, photographer Bob St. Louis and broadcaster Esther Peters — and said volunteer and collections-committee work logged more than 500 volunteer hours in 2024.
The society reported a 50% increase in membership last year and said its Family History Services team completed 30 house-history reports from August through December, some exceeding 100 pages. It announced a roof-repair fundraising goal the society expects to complete in time to install a new roof and gutters by November, followed by a brick‑repointing phase. The society described plans to open a small museum space on the first floor in June and said the smaller available retail/commercial rental is about 2,100 square feet (first floor), with an option to expand to connected space.
The society asked councilors to let them know about potential downtown commercial tenants; society staff said rental income from the building contributes directly to operating expenses and collections care. The society said it will follow up with square footage and additional details to the city.
The presentation included a preview of 2025 programming: a History Happened Here event in May, Railway Day in August, an exhibit at the Laconia Public Library this year focused on Irish heritage and a December performance by the New England Irish Harp Orchestra.
Councilors thanked the society for its work and encouraged outreach to potential tenants and donors. There was no formal action; the society’s requests were informational and focused on fundraising and outreach.
