SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Dewey Memorial Hall has received a donation boost toward its preservation and planning goals.  

 

Housatonic Heritage has granted a $15,000 Heritage Partnership grant. This will go toward a $35,000 matching grant for feasibility and planning from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities fund announced in July. 

 

"This $15,000 gets us much closer toward raising the match for the MCCF grant. The total cost of the project is unknown, but it is likely to exceed $70,000," said Dewey Hall President Beth Carlson. "This is vital foundational work necessary for the stable future of Dewey Hall."

 

While working to secure the full match the hall will contract with an architectural firm for an Historic Structures Report that includes a conditions assessment and master plan. 

 

The hall was built on Sheffield's Green in 1887 in memory of Orville Dewey, a community leader and pastor. It served for many years as the town library and community hub.

 

In recent years the organization responsible for the stewardship of Dewey Memorial Hall have revived the hall with community programming and events, geared toward celebration of the community through a variety of arts. It hosts about 100 gatherings and events a year.

 

But the building, designed by William Ralph Emerson, has had few alterations in its 135 years. The organization plans to use this foundational work as a stepping stone for long term strategic planning and future capital grants. 

 

A request for proposals was sent out this month to qualified preservation architects with a deadline of Jan. 31 for proposals. A site visit for interested architectural firms is scheduled for Jan. 5. Any firms interested in applying should contact deweymemorialhall@gmail.com. 

 

The hall is also seeking to raise $40,000 through its Reaching for the Stars annual appeal  for ongoing operation and preservation of the hall as a community resource. The appeal will culminate in a Celestial Ball on Feb. 10, a new event for the organization. 

 

The annual appeal campaign funds will not be applied toward the Historic Structures Report and master plan. As Carlson stated, 

 

"We have to raise funds for this project over and above our annual campaign donations," said Carlson. "I am confident we will reach both goals. This is a first important step in a long term plan that will create a more secure future for the hall."