One of the agenda items during the most recent Londonderry Town Council meeting was in regard to a proposal to list the Rev. Morrison’s Meetinghouse on the NH State Register of Historic Places.
The property is more commonly known as Lions Hall.
It was explained during the meeting that David Ellis, a historian in town, looked into the matter.
“A private citizen submitted the necessary research and application materials to NH-DHR in 2024 to determine eligibility for State Register listing. NH-DHR has completed its evaluation and found the site eligible,” a memo to the Town Council stated. “Listing offers potential access to state preservation grants and does not encumber the property. Delisting can be requested by the Town at any time.”
Ellis, during the meeting, explained that he explored whether or not the building would be eligible.
He said that he submitted the information to the state Division of Historical Resources to find out if it would be considered eligible to be on the list.
“They have agreed that it is,” Ellis said during the meeting.
Ellis noted that there are some advantages to being on the list, including the publicity, which may help attract visitors.
He also explained that by being on the list it could help them have an advantage when it comes to obtaining grant funding.
He further noted that there aren’t really any issues with being on the list.
“I can’t think of any disadvantages,” Ellis said.
Town Councilor Dan Bouchard said he has been in town for many years and found it fascinating to learn more about the history of the building.
Town Council Vice Chair Shawn Faber argued that there are some constraints with being on the list, saying there are certain restrictions that come with it.
He also pointed out that they don’t yet know what they will be doing with the building long term.
But Bouchard argued that by being on the list, it could, in fact, help them receive funding, and that they were only discussing putting it on the list at this point.
“Maybe by doing this we can get some state money, federal money, something,” he said.
Faber ultimately invoked councilor privilege, meaning no decision was made, and the matter was pushed to the next meeting.
The next Town Council meeting is set for Aug. 18, at 7 p.m.