MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council have provided a $75,000 Cultural Facilities Fund grant to The Bostonian Society, which is dedicated to the comprehensive restoration and reinterpretation of the Old State House. The Bostonian Society will use proceeds to complete the restoration and repairs to the west façade of the Old State House, re-pointing brick work, rebuilding the chimney, repairing windows, and repainting the wooden elements.
"MassDevelopment is pleased to work with the Massachusetts Cultural Council to provide this grant to The Bostonian Society," said MassDevelopment president and CEO Marty Jones. "Restoration and repairs to the Old State House preserve this landmark of prerevolutionary America, keeping it well-maintained and attractive to residents and visitors."
Built in 1713, the Old State House was a critical center of revolutionary activity between 1760 and 1776. It was the site of the Boston Massacre in 1770. In July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read to the citizens of Boston from its balcony. The Old State House celebrates its 300th birthday this year.
"A 300-year-old building requires constant care," said Brian LeMay, president of the Bostonian Society. "This generous grant from MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council demonstrates clearly their understanding of the importance of this irreplaceable cultural asset we have right here in downtown Boston."
MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council administer the Cultural Facilities Fund, an initiative of the Commonwealth to increase public and private investment in cultural facilities throughout the state. Created by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2006, the fund offers capital grants, feasibility and technical assistance grants, and systems replacement grants for eligible nonprofits engaged in the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences. The fund has awarded more than $55 million in grants to cultural organizations across Mass.