The Top of the Common Committee Lunenburg Vermont
About us
In the very beginning...
In 2004, the Lunenburg Historical Society began discussing the formation of a committee that would have the sole focus of fundraising for the restoration of the historic buildings at the top of the Lunenburg Common. Because the Congregational Church building is owned by the Congregational Church Preservation and Restoration Society (CCPRS), the officers of that organization were brought into the discussion. Both groups agreed that restoration was a full time job!
The decision was made that a new organization would be formed - "The Top of the Common Committee" - for the sole purpose of seeking funding for and overseeing the actual restoration work of the Congregational Church building and Old Town Hall. There would be a minimum of 2 members from the CCPRS, 2 members from the LHS, and 2 members from the community.
By 2005, the Top of the Common Committee received non-profit status with the Vermont Secretary of State and IRS tax exempt status as a 501(c)3 public charity. Fundraising events were planned, grant funds were sought, volunteers came forward, and the restoration work began.
The foundational restoration goals over the years remained steady. The Congregational Church building, which hasn't had an active congregation for many years, will be available for private weddings, baptisms, and celebrations of life as well as serving as a cultural center hosting small concerts, local "Open Mic" performers, and other events. The Old Town Hall, in the context of the Lunenburg Historical Society living museum, will provide space for public and private events and artisan and educational sessions.
The foundational restoration goals over the years remained steady. The Congregational Church building, which hasn't had an active congregation for many years, will be available for private weddings, baptisms, and celebrations of life as well as serving as a cultural center hosting small concerts, local "Open Mic" performers, and other events. The Old Town Hall, in the context of the Lunenburg Historical Society living museum, will provide space for public and private events and artisan and educational sessions.
Listening, and moving forward...
The top of the Common Committee seeks to enable our community members to connect with one another - to experience the joy of belonging through interactions, building relationships, and genuine engagement. Our mission continues to seek funding and oversee the restoration of the historic buildings at the top of the Common located in the center of Lunenburg, Vermont, so that they can be inviting community spaces in which these things can happen!
Lunenburg Vermont is a small rural town in the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) of Vermont. Our core small town values have never wavered... help your fellow neighbor in times of need, support your local businesses, steward our natural resources, and celebrate our students, our artisans, our seniors, and our veterans. Whether a fourth-generation resident or a new one, together our community strives to maintain its close-knit, small-town feel, while transforming old spaces and traditions to allow our evolving community to become a vibrant 21st century rural town.
The Old Congregational Church building and the Old Town Hall are concrete connections to the historic cultural foundations that unite us. Restoring both of these spaces will serve a variety of community interests. It will also provide an opportunity to share with others our rich history of working the land through agriculture and timbering, and our hundred-year history of paper manufacturing, all in the context of a community of individuals content to be surrounded by the abundant riches of a small-town life.
The Old Congregational Church building and the Old Town Hall are concrete connections to the historic cultural foundations that unite us. Restoring both of these spaces will serve a variety of community interests. It will also provide an opportunity to share with others our rich history of working the land through agriculture and timbering, and our hundred-year history of paper manufacturing, all in the context of a community of individuals content to be surrounded by the abundant riches of a small-town life.
