Museum Renovation | LKSD Heritage Soc.

GOAL: $450,000

RAISED: $19,063

For over 55 years, the Lakeside Heritage Society has preserved and promoted the history of Lakeside Chautauqua, the Chautauqua Movement in America, and the Marblehead Peninsula.

From its humble beginnings as the Lakeside Heritage Club in 1968 when it saved the historic Lakeside Chapel Building (Heritage Hall) from destruction, to today, LHS has remained committed to preserving and sharing the rich stories of this unique community.

Each year, visitors step through the doors of the Heritage Hall Museum and Archives to view or research history. With over 3,000 visitors annually, including more than half being children, LHS plays a vital role in deepening the appreciation of our collective past while inspiring future generations to carry it forward.

A Museum in Need of Restoration

Housed in the 150-year-old Lakeside Chapel, Heritage Hall Museum stands as a testament to Lakeside’s origins. However, time has taken its toll. Despite its historical significance, the museum space and infrastructure have not undergone renovations since the building’s centennial celebration. The building and the display design is outdated with:

⦁ Faded wall coverings and poor lighting which creates a dim atmosphere.
⦁ Worn floor covering and outdated electrical systems

⦁ Overcrowded and cluttered exhibits limiting the museum’s ability to share history in an engaging manner consistent with today's museum practices.

Without action, this treasured space will continue to deteriorate, hindering its ability to serve as an immersive center for education and historical preservation.

A Vision for the Future

Planned Renovations and Enhancements:

⦁    Restore of the original 1875 chapel floors and walls to maintain historical authenticity.
⦁    Upgrade electrical infrastructure and enhanced lighting to improve the visitor experience.
⦁    Renovate exhibit cases to better protect Lakeside’s valuable historic assets.
⦁    Create a professionally designed engaging and interactive exhibits.
⦁    Enhance landscaping to complement the museum's historical charm.
⦁    Design rotating exhibits both inside and outside the museum.

Floor Plan

Ways to Contribute to Project Sucess

The Lakeside Heritage Society is a nonprofit that relies on members, donors, and volunteers to accomplish any goal set by the organization.

To successfully meet our goal of renovating our 150 year old museum structure, we are asking for the following forms of support:

Financial--personal and memorial donations
Connection to outside funding in the form of grants and/or foundation contributions
Volunteer service to plant the refreshed outside garden, demo the interior of the museum, remove wallpaper, refinish some existing display cases, paint, move furnishings, assist with research of content for museum displays, assist with fundraising events, and assistance with actual gift procurement.

We will be most grateful for each and every gift of time, talents, and financial support.

Please reach out to Kathy Venema, President of the Lakeside Heritage Society.