The Norwich Grange Hall: A New Beginning
The Norwich Grange Hall has long been a cornerstone of our community, serving as a gathering place, a venue for education, and a symbol of our shared history. Now, as we look to preserve this historic building for future generations, we invite you to join us in ensuring that the Grange Hall continues to fulfill its vital role in Norwich.
Do you have fond memories of…..
Pancake Breakfasts …
Christmas Pageants …
Plays and Variety Shows?
Let’s build a space for such gatherings again!
Harnessing community and private support to revive Norwich Grange Hall.
After extensive consultations with over 20 local nonprofits, committees, and community members, it is clear that the Norwich Grange Hall is more than just a building; it is a hub for community life. Our vision for the Grange Hall's future is to create a space that meets the diverse needs of our town, fostering connection, creativity, and collaboration.
Project Background
In 2023, a small group, concerned by the deterioration of the Grange building, reached out to Upper Valley Community Grange members to see what could be done. Grange leadership discussed the idea of turning over the building to a nonprofit organization that would be able to renovate and maintain the building as a community center in the spirit of the Grange’s community focus and allow for the Grange to hold meetings in perpetuity.
In response, the Norwich Community Collaborative was formed as a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization to take on the building and work with the community to create a space that is responsive to community needs. Founding Board members are Jess Phelps, Sarah Rooker, Emily Myers, Wendy Thompson, and Andy Williams. Since then, we have expanded the Board, taken ownership of the building, conducted community visioning, and begun working with Studio Nexus on design.
Our Vision for the Norwich Grange Hall, a community gathering space:
A repaired and restored front porch. (Construction begins in Fall 2024)
A restored, energy-efficient interior with a commercial kitchen, dining hall, and upstairs meeting space with a stage along with structural repairs and restoration of historic architectural features.
A rear addition with critical ADA accessibility upgrades (including a limited use/limited application elevator) and ADA accessible bathrooms.
Help us protect and preserve this hall for future generations.
Meetinghouse Farm, Norwich Photograph by Chad Finer