Pageant Alumni and Friends - We Need Your Support!
Two years ago, The Norwich Community Collaborative (NCC) set out on a mission to restore and reintroduce the historic Norwich Grange Hall as a vibrant gathering place and community hub that benefits the people of Norwich and the Upper Valley.
To help raise the final funds needed for the restoration, the NCC is looking to a familiar group, alumni and friends of the beloved Norwich pageant.
Introducing: The Angel Fund
To help ensure the Grange continues to serve Norwich for generations to come, the NCC proudly introduces The Angel Fund. This special campaign honors one of Norwich’s most beloved traditions: the annual Norwich Pageant, where each December, angels gather on the porch of the Grange to watch from ‘on high’.
A tradition that started in 1961, Norwich high school seniors play the roles in this nativity parade, which travels from Tracy Hall to the Norwich Inn and stops at the Grange, bringing neighbors together in a heartwarming display of unity and joy. The angels on the porch represent more than a performance; they are a symbol of hope, care, and togetherness, just like the Grange Hall itself.
Reconnecting Pageant Players with Norwich
The NCC hopes to inspire all past pageant members, their families, and friends to give what they can during this campaign and, in doing so, reconnect with the Norwich community. Intending to raise at least $10,000 through The Angel Fund, the NCC aims to support essential maintenance and improvements during this final phase. The Angel Fund campaign starts on Thanksgiving Day and will conclude at the Norwich Pageant on Thursday, December 18.
Whether you grew up here, live here now, or simply carry warm memories of the Grange and the Pageant, a donation to The Angel Fund will help restore the Norwich Grange Hall into a vibrant, welcoming place for potlucks, performances, meetings, and memories for years to come.
Donate today to the Angel Fund.
Details on the Three-Phase Restoration
The NCC has moved quickly to raise funds and begin the restoration work. To date, the NCC has raised over $1.75 million for this multi-phase project, allowing for work to begin on the building’s main block this fall.
The project to restore and preserve the Norwich Grange Hall is unfolding in three key phases:
Phase 1 – Porch Repairs (Completed Spring 2025):
The first phase stabilized and repaired the front porch, which was at risk of collapse. This critical work prevented further structural damage and ensured continued public safety.
Phase 2 – Rehabilitation of the Main Historic Block (Underway):
Now in progress, this phase restores the core of the building and has been made possible through generous grants and local support, including:
- $100,000 – Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
- $100,000 – National Park Service (Bruhn Historic Grant)
- $30,000 – Vermont Arts Council
- $20,000 – Vermont Division of Historic Preservation
- $50,000 – King Arthur Baking Company (Leadership Gift)
- Over 150 individual donations from our community
This major phase is expected to be completed by Summer 2026.
Phase 3 – Accessibility & Infrastructure Upgrades (Fundraising Now):
The final phase includes a small, 350-square-foot addition at the rear of the building, within the existing footprint, to house:
- An ADA-compliant bathroom
- A limited-use/limited-application elevator
- An upgraded septic system
These upgrades are essential to ensure that everyone in our community can safely and comfortably enjoy the Grange Hall.
For more information on the Norwich Grange Hall visit: norwichgrangehall.org.
Organizer
Norwich Community Collaborative
Beneficiary

