Today, Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that she has secured $115,000 in state funding for the restoration of the Lancaster Historical Society building.

“Along with the incredible collections within the Lancaster Historical Society, the building itself is part of Lancaster’s history,” said Wallace. “The current condition of the building does not reflect the value that Lancaster residents place on our history. With this funding, the Lancaster Historical Society building will be returned to a welcoming and safe environment for the public to enjoy. I’m honored to play a part in ensuring that our town’s history is preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

“The Lancaster Town Board is very appreciative that Assemblymember Wallace is in the process of securing funds from the state to assist the town in making repairs to the Lancaster Historical Society Museum,” said Lancaster Town Supervisor Johanna Coleman. “On a personal note, I recall visiting the building as a child when it was our Town Library for Saturday Story Hour and attending Girl Scout meetings there. I look forward to seeing the site return to its prominence in attracting families and children to learn about our town’s rich heritage.”

Located at 40 Clark Street adjacent to Lancaster Town Hall, much of the former Dr. Samuel Potter home remains original. Built in 1895 and originally located on Broadway, the house was relocated to Clark Street in 1940 by Dr. Potter’s daughter, who then left the building to the town for a public library, which it was until a new town library opened in 1973. The Lancaster Historical Society has called the building home since 1987 when it was dedicated as the Lancaster Historical Society Museum.

Unfortunately, a lack of meaningful maintenance and restoration over several decades has led to major components of the building becoming broken and unsafe. The main portico and front porch, which were once focal points of the home, are in dire need of funding. Indeed, visitors to the site have noted that several of the spindles on the front stairway are either broken or missing.

“While we have been able to raise the funds needed to repair and redecorate the interior of the building, the exterior has extremely deteriorated and needs immediate attention,” said Lancaster Historical Society President Therese Wolfe. “Our guests have hesitated to use the front entrance due to the porch’s unsafe condition, and our volunteers have often noted their concern over broken pieces of the building’s exterior. We thank Assemblymember Wallace for caring about the museum.”

The grant from Wallace will be used to replace the building’s deteriorating front porch, prepare and paint the building’s exterior, conduct window repair and restoration work, and other interior and exterior improvements that were identified in the town’s recently conducted conditions report of the building.

“I want to thank Supervisor Coleman and the Lancaster Historical Society for making the restoration of the Lancaster Historical Society building a priority,” said Wallace. “As Lancaster continues to transform into an exciting destination for families and visitors, ensuring the town’s history is preserved must go hand in hand with development.”

Incorporated in 1979, the Lancaster Historical Society serves to promote interest in and preservation of the history of the Town of Lancaster. As part of its mission, the organization collects, maintains, and display significant historical materials that represent Lancaster’s heritage, including what is believed to be the Lancaster Opera House’s original piano from the 1800s.