Township of Grafton, NH Historical Society

08/27/2026

Let’s talk about the perpetual care fund.

When we talk about the $45,000 fundraising goal for the Gazebo Project, a portion of that money isn’t for building the gazebo at all. It’s being set aside to take care of it after it’s built.

Why?

Because we don’t just want to build something beautiful for Grafton today. We want future generations to be able to gather there, use it, and enjoy it without worrying about how to pay for its ongoing care.

The perpetual care fund will help cover expenses such as painting, routine maintenance, and other upkeep the gazebo will need over the years.

The fund represents approximately 10% of our total $45,000 fundraising goal. It’s an investment in making sure this project is cared for long after the construction is finished.

And just as importantly, the Gazebo Project is being funded through donations, not tax dollars.

We’re not simply planning for the day the gazebo is built. We’re planning for all the years that come afterward, too.

A gathering place for Grafton, built and cared for with the future in mind.

08/04/2026

We’ve heard that a few people have questions about the $45,000 fundraising goal for the Gazebo Project, so we wanted to share a little more about what that amount includes.

The goal covers much more than the gazebo itself. The full project includes:

• Site preparation and excavation
• Construction of a solid foundation
• A granite base and granite steps
• Installation of electrical service
• An 18' x 14' oval gazebo
• A perpetual care fund to help maintain the gazebo for generations to come

This is being planned as a permanent community gathering place, built to last and cared for well into the future.

We appreciate everyone who has donated, asked questions, shared the project, or helped spread the word. Every contribution brings us one step closer to creating a place where Grafton can gather, celebrate, and connect for years to come.

07/22/2026

Did you see Chris Williams at the Independence Day celebration?

He spent the afternoon in a shady tent with a few chairs, giving people a place to stop, cool off and catch up with friends and neighbors. In many ways, it was a small glimpse of what we hope the future Gazebo on the Green will become: a welcoming place for the community to gather, visit and spend time together.

And while we’re talking about neighbors gathering and reminiscing, we’d love to hear from you. What are some of your favorite Grafton memories or stories?

Share them in the comments!

07/12/2026

We thought it might be nice to start an occasional “Name the Gazebo” game.

Every now and then, we’ll share a famous gazebo, pavilion, or bandstand from a movie or TV show and see how many people recognize it.

We’re beginning with a classic, and yes, we’re starting easy. Future rounds may be a little trickier.

Do you know where this famous gazebo is from?

Drop your guess in the comments before peeking at everyone else’s answers.

07/04/2026

One of the most exciting parts of this project is seeing our community come together to make it happen.

Today we’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Bob Senter and the crew at Razor Hill Excavating for generously donating the site preparation for the new gazebo on the Town Common. Their donation is helping turn this vision into reality, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.

We would also like to thank everyone who has donated so far. Every contribution, large or small, brings us one step closer to creating a welcoming gathering place for concerts, community events, celebrations, and quiet moments on the Common for generations to come.

If you’d like to help, donations can be made online through Givebutter or by mailing a check, payable to Township of Grafton Historical Society (please note Gazebo in the memo line), to:

Township of Grafton Historical Society
P.O. Box 173
Grafton, NH 03240

Thank you for helping build something that our entire community will enjoy for years to come.

https://givebutter.com/KWuPAQ

06/27/2026

The Gazebo Project is off to a wonderful start, and we want to send a heartfelt thank you to our first few donors.

Every early donation matters. It shows that others believe in this project, too, and it brings us one step closer to creating a lasting gathering place on the Town Common for Grafton’s 250th Anniversary in 2028.

And speaking of that anniversary, you may start seeing a very big word pop up over the next couple of years:

Semiquincentennial.

It sounds like something that should come with a spelling test and a tiny marching band, but it simply means a 250th anniversary.

A quincentennial is 500 years. Semi means half. So a semiquincentennial is half of 500 years, or 250 years.

In 2028, Grafton will celebrate 250 years of community, history, change, hard work, remembrance, and neighbors coming together. The gazebo is being planned as a lasting centerpiece for that milestone, a place for music, ceremonies, celebrations, quiet afternoons, and future generations to gather.

Thank you again to those who have already donated. If you would like to help build this gathering place for generations, donations can be made here:

https://givebutter.com/KWuPAQ

Donations by check may be made payable to:

Township of Grafton Historical Society
Memo: Gazebo
P.O. Box 173
Grafton, NH 03240

Small donations, large donations, and shared posts all help. This is a community project, and we are grateful for every bit of support.

A gathering place for concerts, celebrations, history, and neighbors for generations to come

06/20/2026

Before there were community centers, recreation departments, and social media, there were gazebos.

Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, gazebos served as the heart of many small towns. They were places where neighbors gathered for band concerts, political speeches, ice cream socials, Fourth of July celebrations, Memorial Day ceremonies, school events, and family photos.

They weren't just decorative structures. They were community spaces.

In many towns, the gazebo served as a natural gathering place where neighbors could meet, visit, and build a sense of community. It was a place to pause, connect with others, celebrate special occasions, and enjoy community traditions.

As the Grafton Historical Society works to bring a gazebo to the Town Common, we're not simply building a structure. We're helping restore a tradition that has brought communities together for generations.

What events would you like to see take place in a future Grafton gazebo?

A gathering place for concerts, celebrations, history, and neighbors for generations to come

06/11/2026

The Grafton Historical Society is excited to officially launch fundraising for the Gazebo Project.

We hope this project will help revitalize the Town Common and create a welcoming gathering place for community events, celebrations, and everyday enjoyment for generations to come.

To learn more or make a donation, visit:
https://givebutter.com/KWuPAQ

Thank you for your support!