CARROLL COUNTY COURTHOUSE PROJECT CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

 Who Are We?
The Ossipee Historical Society, a federally-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was very fortunate in acquiring ownership of the historic Carroll County Courthouse at Ossipee Corner for the sum of one dollar in the year 2000.  The deed transfer occurred after construction of a new courthouse was approved, but occupancy was delayed until the court moved into its new facility. Now, however, the Carroll County Courthouse Restoration Project is seeking to raise $500,000 to repair, restore, preserve and breathe new life into this historic building.

Why invest so much money in this building?

The Courthouse is a registered New Hampshire Historic Landmark. Application has been made to also place it on the federal register.

The building was designed by a local architect, Albert H. Dow of  Tuftonboro, who also designed several other buildings in the area, including the original Huggins Hospital building in Wolfeboro.  He also designed all the iron work for the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.. The Courthouse=s American-Georgian style of architecture is unique to this region, and the building remains essentially as it was when constructed in 1916, including its furnishings.

Who owns the building?

The Ossipee Historical Society purchased the Courthouse from the county for the sum of $1.00 on condition that the building be preserved as an historic landmark and maintained by the society for all the citizens of Carroll County.

How will this building be used?

The Courthouse will become a cultural center and a museum, a repository for historically significant artifacts from around the county. In addition, it offers a venue for cultural performances, such as lectures, discussions and debates, music, films, theater, poetry readings, etc.. The museum will provide educational support for area schools, and future plans call for the development of a computer research center.

How will this money be used?

Approximately $100,000 is needed to fund building repairs and upgrades. Top priority will be given to repairing the slate roof and structure.  Also needed is an up-graded alarm system; a dry fire suppression system (for the protection of the museum=s documents and other collections); and ultra-violet protection for the windows and lights.

Air-conditioning and humidity controls, necessary to protect the collections, will cost an estimated $200,00, while another $50,000 has been designated for archiving, storing and displaying collections. This will include the purchase of locked display cases, metal storage shelves, map file cases, document storage cabinets, etc..