Complimentary Newsletter for the area – To signup: Use Follow button on the right
Good News 4/1/26
This Historic Preservation Plan is a requirement of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C.
New Supporter Webpage
We have a new webpage that makes it easier to become a supporter of the restoration and repurposing of the North Clarendon Chapel (Chapel 1871) and other historic buildings in Clarendon.
Good News 3/1/2026
During the month of March, we will begin an education series on Community Trust.
Village Trust initiative.
The Village Trust Initiative, a partnership of Preservation Trust of Vermont, Vermont Council on Rural Development and Vermont Community Foundation came together as the result of a shared goal: to help Vermonters revitalize a historic asset in their village that strengthens the sense of community. This multi-year program will support a total of 20 small towns in creating or bolstering a local non-profit organization with a mission focused on the vitality of the community. Now in its second year, VTI is pleased to announce that a new application round will open July 7th to towns with fewer than 2,500 people as per the 2020 Census.
Another topic of interest is bringing town water to Clarendon.
Good News 1/1/26
Our good news this month is the coming on board of a new Executive Director: Scott Hertzberg.
Scott is a local farmer who has a lot under his sleeve as well. He has secured Federal Grants for Otter Creek Farm he owns with his wife Tina, and is very involved with the community where they live. There is no doubt that Scott will be an excellent addition for our project in North Clarendon.
RFP Request for Proposals
Clarendon Heritage is excited to invite contractors to bid on work to restore Chapel 1871 in North Clarendon Village. We are looking for experienced vendors and tradesman for this projects.
For details, see the full request for proposals and online application. Apply
Please share the link to the request for proposals with any area tradesman that may be interested.
All proposals are due at midnight on January 15, 2026.
Good News 12/1/25
By Nicolette Asselin
Following a positive response at Town meeting, the Chapel 1871 is slowly taking its new look for it’s next purpose.
A vote is due to be held at next year’s years elections.
Here are the detailed updates.
Ceiling
Being evaluated for clean-up, stabilization and painting.
Windows
In November Clark’s Glass has replaced all the broken windows of the main hall. Next plan is to start on the front two windows and add external protection so all board can be removed to show one again the stain-glass windows of the Chapel.
Siding repairs
Next the siding will be prepared for painting that will start in Spring of 2026.
Clean out and flooring
A clean out is planned on December1st. Next, floors will be assessed for our next steps and office room will be giving priority to allow someone to work there.
Heating
Marcel Oil is looking for the best solution to store fuel oil. The furnace is actually working quite well. An assessment with Lohsen is on the agenda.
Back room, bathroom and back entrance
We have received quotes.
Leadership
New leadership is on it be way. We will do introductions shortly.
Feel free to post your questions.
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Community efforts
- Chapel 1871
See Chapel 1871 Clarendon Heritage work with the Vermont Preservation Trust, received a grant to do an assessment and a plan. Raised money for repairs.
Clarendon has an important history that could bring Clarendon to a better place.
First it is important to secure needed services for its population. Given that the count is less than 25600 it can qualify for many support.
The town has several Village Centers that could be revived and used for the town’s benefits.
Village Center
- North Clarendon
- Chippenhook
- Clarendon Springs with the Clarendon House and Store.
VCLN:
The Vermont Council on Rural Development has several resources to assist communities group interested in trust projects.
- Community Trust A Community Trust helps a community create a momentum for the town.
- Examples
- Village Trust Initiative Community Info Session
- VCLN Legislative Roundup 2024 Workshop
Call to Action
Volunteers needed to create a team to prepare the North Clarendon for it’s rebirth as a Community Cultural and Social Club.
Volunteers are needed for:
- 1. Office
- 2. Landscape Committee
- 3. Interior Design planning
- 4. Art School program for a community project under the leadership of Anne Francey, renown artist in the field of community school program to start in 2026.
- 5. Fundraising for bricks and windows.
Repurposing Meetings 10/15/25 & 10/27/25
Town Meeting October 27th, 2025
October 27th, 2025 at Grange Hall, Clarendon Heritage (CH) will discuss again the repurposing of Chapel 1871 or North Clarendon Chapel.
The community would like to see a Citizen Cultural and Social Club. The chapel had been used as such during the early 1900 according to Steven Sorel. It would follow a known model of Oasis.
In order to achieve this goal Corpwell Foundation in charge of Clarendon Heritage, is asking on behalf of the community for acceptance of the plan and if accepted request from the town to cover some of the cost of repurposing the building to move ahead as the community is in urgent need of this service for it’s citizen.
2025 REPORT
To review past years progress or subscribe for News: Chapel1871.org
If you wish to speak please contact us.