Milton Historical Society set to expand

It only took one month for supporters of the Milton Historical Society to raise more than $140,000 to purchase a nearby historic home as part of an expansion effort.

Milton Historical Society Executive Director Kim Fabbri said at least 70 individuals and organizations donated toward the purchase of 214 Union St., an early 19th century home next to the Lydia B. Cannon Museum.

“I'm super excited,” Fabbri said. “I can't wait to get in there.”

Fabbri said she doesn’t yet know how the space will be used. In an earlier interview, Fabbri said the two-story, three-bedroom home could be used for office, meeting, teaching and exhibit space, or as a gift shop, art gallery or cafe. The backyard could provide additional space for events and outdoor seating.

“We have a lot of ideas, and we think all of them have validity,” she said.

Settlement on the purchase is set for the end of May, she said, and the house will need some work before it’s ready for public use.

“It's in decent condition,” she said, adding that electric wiring and asbestos shingles will be updated. Wheelchair accessibility is also an issue.

The historic home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the David T. Atkins house, named after a prominent member of the Atkins family. Milton historian Russ McCabe said in an earlier interview the Atkins were known historically as shopkeepers. David T. Atkins was the eldest son of Thomas J. Atkins, who moved to Milton from Zoar in 1851 as a talented cabinet maker and later an undertaker. David T. Atkins went on to become a shipbuilder.

Fabbri said some renovation funds have already been secured, but the organization will need additional volunteers as the expansion project moves forward.

To volunteer, go to www.historicmilton.org or call 302-684-1010.