Less than a mile from my home sits the Framingham History Center (FHC). Formerly the Framingham Historical Society, this vibrant organization has adopted a new name to emphasize its broadened agenda and mission. In its own words, the FHC is “a gathering place for those who care about the past, present and future of Framingham. It engages us to discover the remarkable stories that help us understand our place in the community, the state and the nation.”

Their most recent ambitious undertaking is the preservation of three historic buildings in Framingham Center. As part of a larger grouping of historic buildings and churches, these three line an iconic New England Town Common, so their preservation becomes part of larger story - helping to save a regional tradition and way of life.

After five years of concentrated planning and negotiations with the town, the FHC signed a 50-year lease (for $50) in February, and is now responsible for the management and preservation of these properties. The town will cover roughly $900,000 in roof repairs to the three buildings (work now underway) and the Massachusetts Historical Commission contributed $50,000 towards the Edgell Memorial Library roof repairs. To top it off, the library was announced as one of 25 finalists in the Greater Boston area vying for a portion of a $1 million Partners in Preservation grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express. The FHC hopes to receive $100,000 for a major library window restoration project (winners to be announced in mid-June).

Architectural gems
With the help of a grant, the FHC wisely chose Ann Beha Associates (a Boston architecture firm well versed in preservation) to put together a comprehensive short-term and long-term preservation plan and budget. This preparation made a big difference in convincing the town and other parties to support their efforts at preserving these architectural gems.

The Edgell Memorial Library (1872) was constructed as a monument to Civil War soldiers. This Victorian gothic-style building was designed free of charge by W. Frank Hurd and William A. Rice. Featuring skylights and decorative floor tiles, it is currently used for temporary exhibits, collections storage, office space and other programs. The FHC hopes to make it their central gathering place, open to the public six days a week. Full restoration is expected to be complete by April, 2011 marking the 150th anniversary of the close of the Civil War.

The Old Academy Building (1837) serves as the main home and museum of the FHC. It was built as a continuation of Benjamin Franklin’s “academy movement” which advocated for a liberal education to be made available to the middle classes. It was used as a Framingham public school from 1851-1915 and then rented by the Framingham Historical Society. It is open several days a week and features a selection from its collection of 10,000 objects from all phases of Framingham history, including Indian arrowheads, a Revolutionary War fife, antique farm tools, Wallace Nutting photographs and furniture, World War II memorabilia, Framingham Heart Study artifacts, a model of the original Shopper’s World and much more.

The stately Village Hall (1834) holds a warm spot for many residents because of the many weddings and events held there. Constructed by Dexter Esty based on designs by Solomon Willard (designer of the Bunker Hill Monument) and Dexter Hemenway, it served as Framingham’s second Town Hall and originally housed offices, schoolrooms, meeting places and the first town library.

Prestige and publicity
By the time you read this, the winners of the Partners in Preservation contest will have been announced (more about that in an upcoming column). But whether or not the FHC wins, the prestige and publicity is a good way to keep the organization in the public eye and keep the staff and members motivated. Architectural preservation can be expensive, unpredictable and painful at times, but these efforts represent the future of history and resources should not be lost without a good fight. The FHC is one of those organizations with one foot in the past and one foot in the future, and that seems to be right place to be when it comes to successful historic preservation.

Brian Roche can be reached at bsroche@comcast.net.

The Edgell Memorial Library (1872) was built as a memorial to Civil War soldiers in the Victorian Gothic style. The multi-colored slate roof was recently restored, partially funded with a grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Nominated as a finalist in the national Partners in Preservation program, the FHC hopes to receive a $100,000 grant for the Edgell Window Restoration project.

The Old Academy Building (1837) serves as the current home and museum of the FHC. Built like a Greek temple, this unusual building used rubble stone for the walls and columns. It retains much of its exterior and interior historic integrity, including blackboards and light fixtures.

Village Hall (1834) was based on designs by Solomon Willard, who designed the Bunker Hill Monument. It was restored and redesigned in the early 20th century. It now serves as a rental facility for weddings and other events, and helps bring in revenue to cover maintenance and preservation efforts.

This bronze statue of a civil war soldier stands outside Edgell Memorial Library and was restored several years ago with funds raised by the local girl scouts as part of a Save Outdoor Sculptures (SOS!) merit badge program.