Meredith Farm Museum sale ensures preservation of historic building

MEREDITH — The Meredith Historical Society has put for sale its Farm Museum building located on Winona Road to a private developer.

As part of the agreement, the buyer has committed to investing over $200,000 to modernize the structure and convert it into a modern private residence.

Originally built in 1802 as a Free Will Baptist Church, the structure holds the distinction of being one of the oldest buildings in Meredith. While rich in heritage, its rural location and limited parking made it an increasingly challenging venue for public use and museum operations.

By transitioning the property to a dedicated private owner, the society ensures this landmark receives a substantial financial injection for structural preservation while addressing its modern utility. Since it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the buyer, and all future owners, are required to preserve the building’s existing historical features.

A significant portion of the sale proceeds will be directly allocated to the preservation, maintenance, and upkeep of the Meredith Historical Society’s primary historic headquarters located on Main Street in downtown Meredith.

"This is a win-win for the preservation of Meredith’s history," said John Hopper, president of the Meredith Historical Society. "The Winona Road building will be saved, stabilized, and given a new life through a major private investment, preserving one of Meredith's oldest structures. At the same time, dedicating a significant portion of the sale proceeds to our Main Street location creates a sustainable financial foundation to protect, restore, and maintain our downtown headquarters, which serves as the heart of our community historical exhibits."

Hopper’s extensive profile of the historic building is located on the society’s website under “Notable Places in Meredith” within the “Meredith History” menu.

The developer's planned $200,000-plus renovation will focus on structural reinforcement, modern plumbing and energy-efficient interior modernization required for a contemporary residence, all while maintaining the historic exterior profile that reflects its 1802 origins.

Work on both properties is expected to move forward in the coming months. The Meredith Historical Society will continue to host its exhibits, archives, and public programs at its downtown Main Street location, with weekend open hours into the fall months.

For more information, visit meredithhistoricalsocietynh.org.