Help Save The Swansea Luther Store Museum

In its ongoing efforts to preserve the Luther Store, the Swansea Historical Society's Officers and Executive Board Member, caretakers of this historical building, have an annual inspection performed. All of the building was inspected prior to the pandemic except the crawl space which was done recently. The inspection has discovered a termite infestation affecting more that 75% of the floor framing in two areas of the main floor structure. Along with the termites, it has been discovered that an infestation of powder post beetles have attacked several of our artifacts as well as areas of the building. We also have to remove a colony of bats from the attic space.

The Swansea Historical Society recently applied for and was granted $125,000 by the Community Preservation Committee for the repairs on the interior and exterior walls of the Luther Store. Issues found during the annual inspection done prior to the pandemic. These funds can only be used for the interior and exterior wall issues.

We estimate the cost of the pest removal, removal and storage of artifacts to allow for the appropriate repairs and the repairs themselves to be between $90,000 to $100,000.

The Luther Store was designed and built by Mace Luther the cousin of John Brown Luther and Joseph Gardner Luther the owners of the Luther store. It opened its doors in 1813 remained open till 1925. It remained in the Luther family till 1936 when it was turned over to the Town of Swansea. It remained in the Town's care till the deed was turned over to the Swansea Historical Society in 1952. Since that time The Swansea Historical Society has been the proud owners of this historical building.

Please consider donating any amount that you can to help preserve this Swansea Landmark placed on the National Registry in 1978.