The Salem, NH Old Town meetinghouse has been the hub of education, government management, place of worship, clubs and historical archives for almost three centuries. A recent restoration of the Salem Old Town Hall began four years ago. Let’s start with the origin of this iconic structure. The original meetinghouse construction began in November of 1738 managed by Henry Sanders, a local carpenter. The structure was moved to its current location on 310 Main St., in 1838 to accommodate a bridge to be constructed across the Spicket River. In 1900, a renovation would celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of the incorporation of Salem in 1750.
Edward F. Searles made a deal with the town just prior to Salem’s 150 anniversary in the year 1900 to match the town’s money with some of his own for a thoroughgoing redecoration. The town raised $1,000 for the project during the annual town meeting in March and Searles agreed to put more money with it provided he had a free hand in how it was to be spent. Searles had ordered the ceilings torn out, and Henry Sanders old beams exposed. Source: At the Edge of Megalopolis
The roof peak was raised several feet and six prominent arched windows were installed. Searles’ architectural influence is evident in the second-floor network of ceiling beams. Within the next decade, a renovation extended the length of the building by 14 feet. This made way for a new front entrance, a grand staircase, a kitchen and a heating furnace. A ghostly image on the wall sheathing in the attic reveals evidence of the original location of the exterior arched windows.
In the 20th century, the Old Town Hall served as a courthouse, a meetinghouse, a senior center and an office to conduct government business. On May 15, 1956, the Salem Historical Society was founded by Prescott W. Hall and the office was located at the Hose House No2. The purpose: Dedicated to preserve artifacts used in Salem’s past and keep old records on file for future generations. Fire damaged some of the artifacts Dec. 5, 1961. Repairs were completed and a reopening occurred May 30, 1962. The Society office, records and artifacts were relocated to a safer location at the Kelley Library basem*nt. These items were stored from Jan. 11, 1968.
In 1982, the Salem Historical Society and the artifacts were moved to the Old Town Hall. The building received minor repairs and 17 display cases. New locks as well as burglar and fire alarm systems were installed to protect Salem’s priceless artifacts.
For 41 years public meetings have been held on the second Tuesday of the month from April through November.
In 2020, another renovation was completed by Tom Mosson Construction and the members of the Salem Contractors Association. A larger and safer ADA-compliant restroom replaced two smaller outdated facilities.
The planning and funding stages for the current restoration were followed by hiring craftspeople who adhere to following strict historical building guidelines. The clapboard replacement project contract was awarded to Innovative Roofing of Derry. This contractor removed the clapboards, repaired the sheathing and reinstalled clear white-pine clapboards from a mill in northern Vermont. The museum’s 32 wavy glass windows from 1900 were removed and have been restored. Before the advent of electricity, windows in the meetinghouse served primarily as a means for the admission of both light and air. Window Woman of Amesbury, Mass., was selected as the window restoration contractor. The windows on the two floors have been beautifully and functionally restored. The third-tier arched Searles windows are now illuminated from dusk to dawn revealing the ceiling beams and providing a stunning beacon for Salem.
The outdated electrical system was replaced with a safer, brighter, efficient network by the electricians at Gemini Electric, in Auburn. The meeting room ceiling construction and carpentry is managed by the craftsmen at Innovative Roofing and Northeast Deck. The sound system and closed-circuit security cameras are wired by Link Established in Salem.
Roy Sorenson, director of the Department of Public Works, serves as the general contractor. The department’s role in the project is to manage contracts, finances, grants, timelines and safety. A 10-member group, the meetinghouse restoration committee, was formed three years ago to act as a board of directors to ensure communication and highlight the project phases for all stakeholders including the town residents. The Salem NH Historical Society volunteers are the consultants to ensure proper historical detail, functionality and workflow.
The museum is open to the public from April to November on Mondays, 2-5pm. Find us on Facebook at Friends of Salem NH Historical Society for a schedule of our monthly speaker meetings.
