Drinking Gourd Project Update for the CCHRC Newsletter
Posted on | March 23, 2010 | No Comments
The DGP has started 2010 with great progress. We are currently working to 1. solidify our program through the burgeoning Robbins House Educational Center while simultaneously continuing to 2. host educational seminars, and 3. write grant applications and raise funds.
As regards #1, The Robbins House, we are pleased to note that Developers (Johanna and John Boynton, long-time Concordians) are supporting the DGP by helping us to gain possession of the Robbins House. They have made an offer to purchase 324 Bedford St. and hope to reach an agreement before Town Meeting. The Boyntons are forming a non-profit corporation to purchase and redevelop the property and will donate the historic structure to the DGP. They will obtain permits and build an appropriate house on the site and upon the sale of the new house, any profits will be donated to the DGP. They hope that the project will become a showcase for Concord vendors and trades people.
We have also been generously recommended for a revised CPC award of $60,000 from this year’s town budget. Two town articles will be presented at the April 26/27, 2010 Town Meeting to assist the DGP with the Robbins House project. The first is to approve the release of the $60,000 from CPC allocations, and the second is to allow the Town to lease lot 1261 to the DGP for the relocation of the Robbins House across from the Old North Bridge.
As regards #2, Educational Seminars, Grant Writing and Fundraising, we hosted a successful event called “Traces of the Trade on March 5th”. Well over 120 people attended and listened to not only a thought provoking video by the DeWolfe family, but over 6 presentations regarding the importance of the Robbins House project to the community.
We’re busy and optimistically looking forward to the next three months.