The American Legion Post 33 is in the center of downtown North Haven, which lies at the heart of our island community. The building has been the home base for veterans and members since the 1940s. Many community events, such as preschool, art shows, breakfasts, birthdays, anniversary celebrations, game nights, and dances, have been held there.

In 1891 the structure was erected as a horse barn by C.S. Staples. After World War II, it was purchased by the American Legion and converted into the building it is today. In 1990, the legion building was deemed a historic building by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission.

The existing Legion members want to preserve and restore this building for continued use by the growing community. Unfortunately, the building has lost its vibrancy and has sat empty for many years.

A community member has recently helped the Legion members apply for a Maine Historic Preservation Grant, the 1772 Foundation Grant for Maine Historic Preservation Projects. The 1772 Foundation generously grants funding to nonprofit organizations through 1:1 matching grants of up to $10,000 for shovel-ready historic preservation projects. The Legion building is a perfect fit!

If selected for the 1772 Foundation matching grant, the legion members will do some significant renovations and improvements on the current building. We will replace windows, paint the interior and exterior of the building, update the kitchen for professional and community use and replace the existing heating systems with more efficient heat pumps. We will increase community involvement in the space and keep the lights on year-round. The facility's ability to host events again will create more vibrancy downtown, providing more community sustainability and engagement year-round.

Legion members would like to match this grant and more! Donations, large and small, will move the needle a great deal in helping us restore this historic building! Please share! Thank you in advance for your generous support.