The historic meetinghouse in Harpswell Center, a National Historic Landmark that predates the existence of the U.S. itself, will receive some long-awaited maintenance this year.
On April 11, the Harpswell Select Board agreed to contract Harpswell Paint Co. to paint the building and apply a preservative to the roof for an amount not to exceed $66,000. The work could begin as soon as June, according to a memo to the board from Town Administrator Kristi Eiane.
The town requested bids for the project in 2022, but rejected the sole bid after deciding to broaden the project. It again requested bids in 2023, but the single bid of $160,000 far exceeded its budget.
This year, the town went straight to Harpswell Paint Co., which had painted the building some years ago, according to the memo. The company quoted $60,000 for the painting and $6,000 for the roof.
“I drive by that building every day on my way to work and I cannot wait for that building to be painted,” Eiane said. “That’s going to be a great project to see come to completion.”
The meetinghouse was built from 1757-1759, according to the Harpswell Historical Society. Its National Historic Landmark plaque says it “possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States.”
