Community Preservation Act Grant Awarded to Forbes House Museum

At the annual meeting on May 2, town meeting members voted to approve the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee for the Forbes House Museum and ten other projects. The museum plans to start building renovation in summer 2023.

“We’re delighted to receive the CPA grant, which will enable us to expand the barn and carriage house’s use as a community resource,” says Heidi Vaughan, Forbes House Museum executive director. “On behalf of the trustees, staff and volunteers, thanks to the town meeting members, the Community Preservation Committee and everyone in the community who voiced their support for this project.” 

In addition to CPA funding, the museum recently received a $10,000 grant through Preservation Massachusetts and the 1772 Foundation for the restoration project.

Designed by architect Isaiah Rogers, the carriage house was built in 1833 in the same Greek Revival style as the main house. In the late 19^th-century, the renowned Boston architecture firm of Peabody & Stearns designed the shingle-style barn addition.

Currently, the museum uses the barn and carriage house as a backdrop for community events, including summer Barnfests, a popular family-friendly evening gathering with live music, local food and lawn games. 

For more information about the museum and its programming, call 617-696-1815 or visit  www.forbeshousemuseum.org.