Beginning this October, Richmond residents and visitors to the Round Church will see scaffolding and other signs of renovation work at the well-known National Historic Landmark.  The Richmond Historical Society has received a $15,000 matching grant from the Vermont Division of Historic Preservation to replace the Church’s 20-year-old roof shingles.  The RHS put out a request for bids in July and in August reached an agreement with local contractor Gary Bressor.  Bressor and associates will be working at the Church throughout the fall and hope to have a new roof in place by the end of November.

Replacing the roof constitutes phase one of a multi-year renovation and enhancement project for the Round Church.  Other project goals include installing a fire sprinkler system, adding exterior lighting, repainting the building inside and out, and landscaping the parking field and adjacent grounds.  Total cost for the project is estimated at $235,000.

The Round Church receives no regular support from any federal, state or local agency.Maintenance and repairs are funded by rental fees, card sales and donations to the Richmond Historical Society.  The RHS is actively seeking grants from government and private agencies to subsidize the renovations.  However, many grant-providing agencies require matching donations and other evidence of community support for the project.

Please help keep the Round Church safe and in good repair:  send a tax-deductible donation to the Richmond Historical Society or volunteer your time and energy on behalf the Renovation Project.  The Round Church has been vital part of this community for almost 200 years. Let’s keep it that way.

To find out more about the Round Church Renovation Project and other RHS activities, visit the RHS website at www.OldRoundChurch.com.  Tax-deductible donations can be sent to the Richmond Historical Society, P. O. Box 453, Richmond, VT 05477.