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Historical society seeks a multiyear lease, fundraising to restore depot museum
Summary
Tim Robinson told the board the historical society has catalogued artifacts and plans to reopen the train depot museum May 16; the group requested a multiyear lease (proposed through Dec. 31, 2029) to support grant applications and outlined fundraising plans including a May 2 comedy night.
Tim Robinson, introduced to the board as representing the historical society, briefed the Board of Selectmen on plans to restore the town train‑depot museum and asked the board to reauthorize or extend the society’s lease so the group can pursue competitive grants.
Robinson said the society completed a winter inventory of artifacts, reworked exhibits and will reopen the depot on May 16 with a new layout focused on Sandown history. He said exterior elements — peeling paint, missing trim, rotting soffits and a granite mileage post that is no longer in place — need repair and that the society must document the building’s condition before applying for grants.
Robinson said the society hopes to execute a longer lease acceptable to grantmakers and proposed a term that would run to Dec. 31, 2029, allowing more stable fundraising and matching‑grant planning. He said the last lease he had was dated 2021 and noted the society is roughly four years in arrears on lease paperwork; he asked the board to work with staff to prepare an updated agreement and to permit the society to return with a detailed budget this fall.
Mandy Knight, who identified herself during public comment, announced a comedy fundraiser for May 2 to help the restoration fund (doors 6 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10). Robinson outlined planned fundraising this summer, matching‑grant efforts later in the year, and volunteers needed for restoration work.
Board members and staff discussed the grant timing and recordkeeping; the board agreed it would work with the society on updating the lease and asked for a follow‑up presentation with a budget and schedule. No formal vote on the lease was taken at the April 20 meeting.
Robinson said the society had consulted the New Hampshire Preservation Society and will spend the coming months producing a prioritized list of work and a detailed budget before committing to exterior renovation work.
