Grant helps Duxbury Historical Society spruce up Sunshine Hall ahead of fundraiser
September 4, 2025 | By Lisa Scagliotti A grant for historic preservation has kick-started the Duxbury Historical Society’s work at Sunshine Hall in South Duxbury, just in time for the organization’s Let’s Make a Deal fundraiser on Saturday.
Prep work at Sunshine Hall ahead of painting includes careful removal of old lead paint. Photo by Shawnee Perry
Situated across Vermont Route 100 from Harwood Union High School, Sunshine Hall and the adjacent Old Meeting House – formerly the South Duxbury Church – were acquired by the historical society in 2022.
Painting prep work at the hall began late last week and will take a pause for the historical society to hold its sale this weekend, according to historical society trustee Mary Spencer.
Sunshine Hall has a rich history, beginning as a temperance hall in the early 1900s. It was later gifted to the South Duxbury Church. After a period of vacancy, the Duxbury Historical Society acquired both Sunshine Hall and the former church structure, now being referred to as the Old Meeting House. Northfield historical preservation consultant Adam King of Arcadia Restorations examined the structures for a building assessment in 2023 that will help guide the organization’s restoration efforts. Spencer noted that the group also has worked with Waterbury architect Joe Greene regarding prioritizing the work that lies ahead.
The red dots mark spots where nails are being covered before painting. Photo by Shawnee Perry
Now a grant award has allowed the effort to begin. Spencer explained that the group has been awarded a grant of up to $10,000 that must be matched. The funds come from the 1772 Foundation through the Vermont Preservation Trust. The nonprofit foundation is based in New Jersey, distributes grant funds annually for historic preservation projects around the country. According to its latest annual report, the foundation has partnered with the Vermont Preservation Trust since 2020 to allocate grant funds in Vermont. Through 2024, it had funded 60 projects. Last year, 14 Vermont projects received grants of up to $10,000 totaling $125,000 that was used for projects such as masonry work, exterior repairs and painting, porch repairs, roof repairs, and window weatherization, according to the foundation’s 2024 report.
The Duxbury grant was made this year, and Spencer said the historical society has enough saved to match the full amount if needed. She said the painting project, which includes the removal of lead paint and some carpentry repairs, is expected to come in under the $20,000 budget. The work is being done by Green Mountain Painters from Colchester, she said, and will be completed this month, she said.
Shawnee Perry, also a historical society trustee, said that the grant marks an important milestone in the Duxbury Historical Society’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the town’s historical treasures. Restoring Sunshine Hall’s exterior will not only enhance its visual appeal, but it also will contribute to its long-term structural integrity, she noted.
The show of support from the funders is valuable support on multiple levels, Spencer added. “The impact of this grant is not just the monetary value, but knowing that both the Preservation Trust and 1772 Foundation believe in our mission,” she said. “Both buildings are in very good shape structurally, but Sunshine Hall looks uncared for. By painting it, we hope to bring the community’s attention to the work we are doing and get them more involved.”
The Old Meeting House (formerly the South Duxbury Church) and Sunshine Hall. File photo by Gordon Miller
Saturday’s Let’s Make a Deal sale
As the painting project is underway, the historical society is gearing up for a key annual fundraiser this weekend that members hope will build momentum for more preservation work.
The annual Let’s Make a Deal Lawn Sale and Bake Sale is scheduled for Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Meeting House and Sunshine Hall. The public is invited to peruse a wide variety of donated goods, unique household items, collectibles, etc. along with many sweet and savory homemade and home-baked foods from pies and breads to canned items.
True to its name, the sale allows for buyers to be involved in determining many of the prices. Perry explained that many lawn sale items will have suggested prices, and buyers are invited to “make a deal.” Food items at the bake sale are set, and organizers promise bargains.
Donations of items for the sale still will be accepted at Sunshine Hall on Friday, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Baked goods can be dropped off then or Saturday morning. Details on items that organizers cannot accept (such as furniture, appliances, books, child car seats, and more) are on the Duxbury Historical Society website.
Reminder: No early birds.