Help Save the Putney General Store

Please Contribute!

Before the fire, PHS successfully raised over two-thirds of what we needed. We achieved 700K of the roughly 900K we needed. We had a "stretch thermometer" on the store, and a goal of reopening the store on May 3, 2010—the second anniversary of the first fire. Now, we've had quite a setback, though much of what we worked for is still in place. Since the fire, we've been working harder than ever, and now need about 100K to achieve our goals.

PHS is a 501(c.)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Donations can also be sent by mail to:
Putney Historical Society
Town Hall
PO Box 233
Putney, VT 05346

Questions? email info@putneyhistory.us

PHS Funding Success Stories

• We had over 100K from community donations before the Nov. 1 fire, and we've had over 100K since.
• The Thomas Thompson Trust has put up a challenge grant of 20K to be matched 2:1, in the final stage of community donation!
• Recently the Preservation Trust of Vermont added $10K to a $20K anonymous challenge grant, which has already been matched by the community.
• Rick Chapin and Arne Hammerlund of Chittenden Bank recently met project manager Lyssa Papazian and president Stuart Strothman at the site to present $2K.
• The Harris and Frances Block Foundation recently granted $8K for the project.
• Grantors such as the Preservation Trust and Windham Foundation have stayed with the Historical Society through their loss.
• The Village Revitalization Initiative, a $100,000  federal grant arranged collaboratively through Sen. Patrick Leahy and the Preservation Trust of VT, has also 'stayed the course.'
• Our significant support from the Vermont Community Development Program (200K) and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (67.5K) will be sustained.
• With recent in-kind donations of lumber and construction for a timber frame valued at $75K, we are now within 100K of our roughly 900K goal for project completion!

Project History

In May 2008, a fire severely damaged the store, and brought its owner to sell the building. In September 2008, Putney Historical Society members voted to pursue ownership and reconstruction of the General Store.

On November 7, 2008, we bought it! In a arduous and highly successful grant-seeking process over the past year, we gathered 67K from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, 200K from the Vermont Community Development Block Grant Program, and 100K from Patrick Leahy and the Vermont Preservation Trust, through a Village Revitalization Grant. We received 10K from the Windham Foundation, and over 100K in community donations, the most impressive and valuable contribution of all.

When the roof trusses went up in January, it was a day of spontaneous celebration—children cheering on the school bus, people honking as they drove by.

The historic Putney General Store building was lost to fire on Sunday November 1, 2009. In the terrible four-alarm fire, 120-140 EMS personnel came. They saved people, and nearby buildings. We are very grateful for their dedication and excellent work.

This was a devastating blow to our community. Our people have come together to grieve, and to support each other. A candlelight vigil was held Nov. 6, with singing and tears.

Now, with strong and renewed support, we are sure we will rebuild.  Please help us!