The Alexander King House, a 260-year-old treasure, urgently needs your support! This house is not just a building; it’s a piece of our history and a symbol of our heritage. It’s been 40 years since its last ‘physical exam,’ and we know it needs more than just a fresh coat of paint. The Society has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Connecticut Improvement Act of 2005, managed by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), to conduct a Condition Assessment and HVAC feasibility study. These will evaluate the stability, climate control, efficiency, and safety of the entire house, from the chimney to the basement. The results will provide the Board of Trustees with a list of prioritized corrective actions that will help us preserve the longevity of the King House and its historically valuable contents for future generations. Your support is crucial to ensure the preservation of this significant piece of our history!
This assessment is the first step of a multi-year endeavor that will cost hundreds of thousands. For now, this $20,000 grant must be matched. Fortunately, a grant from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds plus pledges by members of the Board of Trustees put us close to matching the grant. The Society has recently mailed this year’s Annual Appeal to members, but it also welcomes donations toward this critical project from non-members. Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly impact the preservation of the Alexander King House.
Responses to this general appeal will go into the King House Restoration Fund, a dedicated fund for the preservation of the Alexander King House. These funds will be used to pay the cost of the assessments this coming winter. Any excess in the ‘Restoration Fund’ will be allocated for projects identified by the evaluation. The long-term preservation and improvement of the King House was one of Lester Smith’s passions for many years, and he endorsed the Society as a destination for contributions in his memory. If you make a memorial donation, please indicate accordingly in a note.