On Saturday, with the cutting of a ribbon, the new home of the Jaffrey Historical Society — the former town government offices on Goodnow Street — became official.
“What we are unveiling today has been a dream for many of us for many years,” said historical society President Peter Lambert. That dream: “Our own visible, accessible and modern facility to share our over 8,000 artifacts, documents, photographs, uniforms, business signs, pieces of art and other treasures that tell the story of our beloved town.”
Until now, the historical society had housed its artifacts in the basement of the Jaffrey Civic Center. But it has long looked for something more visible, with handicapped access, and with more room for educational visits and researchers.
Charlie Turcotte, past president of the historical society and now a selectman, said the new location is a step forward for the organization.
“As most of you know, for many years, when asked, ‘Where is the Jaffrey Historical Society located?’ the answer would be, ‘In the basement of the Civic Center.’ As of this ribbon cutting, when asked ‘Where is the Jaffrey Historical Society located?’ feel free to say, ‘They have left the basement,'” Turcotte said.
When the Jaffrey town offices moved locations, from Goodnow Street to the former TD Bank on Main Street, the empty building presented an opportunity. The historical society spent the last several months renovating the building and then, in a volunteer effort, moving its many artifacts from the Civic Center down the road to the new building.
Now, with the artifacts in place, the building is open regular hours for visitors.
To mark the day, the historical society raised an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol by U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander in honor of the Jaffrey Historical Society’s new facility. Below the flag was a replica of the 1973 bicentennial flag made by Eleanor Lambert. Both flags were raised by Eleanor Lambert’s three daughters, Kathryn Lambert-Kamm, Debra Hall and Candace Kilduff, while Conant High School students Amaris Ebe and Eloise Langille sang the National Anthem.