About the Society...

This year, with the assistance of Mr. Christopher Closs, we drafted a Capital Improvements Program for Stevens Memorial Hall, as well as a planned restorative program for the exterior and interior of the building. At Town Meeting, May 2007, the voters authorized $50,000 toward restoration of the exterior to include painting, and gutter replacement. The Town has also applied for a "Moose Plate" grant from the State of NH to specifically benefit these restorations. The Town will revisit a similar amount for interior restoration in 2008, which will include mold abatement, and cosmetic repairs. All this is in preparation to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Stevens Memorial Hall, and re-dedication in 2009.

All of our sponsorship efforts are funded by Annual memberships, the sale of the updated history of Chester, "Chester Revisited", by local author and historian, Richard Holmes, the limited edition Woven Afghans, a variety of annual events, and private donations.

Many of you have enjoyed in the past 13 years, our Bi-Annual Holiday House Tour. After much discussion after our 2005 tour, the Society had decided not to continue the Tour. In it's place, we have planned a Bi-Annual event, a fund raiser called "Faire Appraisal." This is an opportunity for the public to bring in their treasures for appraisal by local antique dealers. This event will be every other year, in October. We are also planning a series of events, portrayals of local and national figures in our history. This series began with "An Evening With Lord Timothy Dexter," portrayed by historian Paul Jancewicz of Amesbury, MA. Lord Timothy was one of Chester's most notable characters, and remembered each time we see his home on Chester Street.

Our one sorrow, was the loss of our dear friend and long time historian, Mrs. Evelyn Noyes. We were blessed to have her in our membership. Her personal history of Chester was our treasure, something that we will never be able to replace. We have received many generous donations in her memory, with which we decided to create a "Reading Area" in our home as a memorial to Evelyn. To that end, Mr. Douglas Dimes, Chester resident, and furniture craftsman created for us two Windsor Bowback Arm Chairs, and Tea Table. Please take an opportunity to visit us at Stevens Memorial Hall, and share our history in honor of Evelyn Noyes.