The icon of the Thompson Historical Society is our Old Town Hall building. The Old Town Hall, constructed about 1842, was possibly designed by Thompson born architect Ithiel Town, one of America's most noted early commercial architects.

The Old Town Hall has been called one of Ithiel Towne's last designs. While this claim has never been proven, it would make sense that Ithiel Towne, the founder of Towne & Davis, one of America's earliest professional architectural firms, performed this one last service for his beloved hometown, Thompson, CT.

The Old Town Hall building served as the center of Thompson's government for 80 years. Narrowly avoiding demolition in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Thompson Historical Society bought the building for $1 in 1968 and then spent nearly 20 years restoring the building. As with all historic buildings, regular and typically expensive maintenence is required to keep such a building in working order.

Since 1995, the building has served the Historical Society as a museum gift shop and has contributed to its own survival. In recent years, the larger expenses of roof replacement and painting have emptied the maintenence funds available to the Thompson Historical Society.

With the Old Town Hall needing pillar repairs, as well as significant work to its bell tower and porch, a major capital campaign is the 2010-2012 Historical Society initiative for these years. Cash donations or volunteer work for painting and minor repairs is always welcome.

In 2010, 2011 and into 2012, the Historical Society will be:

• restoring the pillars, deck and railing of the OTH porch
  
  
• repairing and re-shingling the Bell Tower
  
  
• replacing joists and sill plates as required
  
  
• painting the entire building

Your tax deductible contribution is especially needed during these challenging economic times.

Please contact 860-923-3776 or mail us at:

THOMPSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PO Box 47
Thompson, CT 06277