The Londonderry Heritage Commission recently discussed whether to recommend listing the Morrison Meeting House – also known as Lions Hall – on the NH State Register of Historic Places.
According to a memo presented at the meeting, the discussion was postponed from the Aug. 4 Town Council meeting to Aug. 18 after Councilor Faber invoked Councilor Privilege. The memo explained that a private citizen submitted research and application materials to the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources (NH-DHR) in 2024 to determine eligibility. NH-DHR has since evaluated the site and deemed it eligible for listing.
The memo noted that listing the property could provide access to state preservation grants without imposing restrictions on the Town. Additionally, the Town could request removal from the register at any time.
Historian and Commission member Dr. David Ellis highlighted the benefits of the designation, including potential grant funding and increased visibility. He emphasized that the listing would not prevent upgrades or renovations.
“It doesn’t stop you from doing that,” Ellis said, adding that the designation comes at no cost to the Town.
However, Town Councilor Ted Combes, who serves as the Council’s ex-officio member on the Commission, questioned the State’s determination of historical significance.
“Our most recent reports stated that the only historically significant items are the vault and the tin roof in the ceiling,” Combes said. He also expressed concern that bringing the building up to modern standards could jeopardize its historical status.
Ellis responded that the building met multiple criteria under the State’s evaluation system.
Commission member Jim Butler suggested inviting State officials to review the property. “I think we should have the State come in,” he said.
John Mahon, another Commission member, argued that any decision should be tied to whether the Town moves forward with a warrant article to fund the building’s preservation.
“I am absolutely in favor of preserving this building, but I don’t want to spend a whole bunch of time on it if folks in Town aren’t going to pay for it,” Mahon said.
Chair Krystopher Kenney agreed that more information is needed, including a clear understanding of the advantages, disadvantages, and potential uses for the building.
“At a minimum, it just gives us more information and costs nothing,” Kenney said.
The Commission ultimately decided to invite representatives from NH-DHR, Director of Public Works & Municipal Facilities Dave Wholley, and the individual who prepared the independent report to attend the next meeting.
“The more information we have, the better we can try to come to a conclusion,” Kenney said.