Help Save The Swansea Luther Store Museum

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In its ongoing efforts to preserve the Luther Store, the Swansea Historical Society's Officers and Executive Board Member, caretakers of this historical building, have an annual inspection performed. All of the building was inspected prior to the pandemic except the crawl space which was done recently. The inspection has discovered a termite infestation affecting more that 75% of the floor framing in two areas of the main floor structure. Along with the termites, it has been discovered that an infestation of powder post beetles have attacked several of our artifacts as well as areas of the building. We also have to remove a colony of bats from the attic space.

The Swansea Historical Society recently applied for and was granted $125,000 by the Community Preservation Committee for the repairs on the interior and exterior walls of the Luther Store. Issues found during the annual inspection done prior to the pandemic. These funds can only be used for the interior and exterior wall issues.

We estimate the cost of the pest removal, removal and storage of artifacts to allow for the appropriate repairs and the repairs themselves to be between $90,000 to $100,000.

The Luther Store was designed and built by Mace Luther the cousin of John Brown Luther and Joseph Gardner Luther the owners of the Luther store. It opened its doors in 1813 remained open till 1925. It remained in the Luther family till 1936 when it was turned over to the Town of Swansea. It remained in the Town's care till the deed was turned over to the Swansea Historical Society in 1952. Since that time The Swansea Historical Society has been the proud owners of this historical building.

Please consider donating any amount that you can to help preserve this Swansea Landmark placed on the National Registry in 1978.

Funding Maintenance and Repairs

In 2022, the Swansea Historical Society officers and executive board members, caretakers of the Luther Store Museum, have begun some much-needed repairs on this wonderful piece of Swansea history. The replacement of the wood shingled roof was our first issue that we needed to take care of. There are several items within the interior of the museum that also need our attention.

Funding for the roof project has been provided by the Swansea Community Preservation Committee, Baycoast Bank and our members' yearly donations. Work on the project was completed by Josh and Melissa Andrade and their partner Ryan Shaw from Island Custom Builders.

On Saturday, February 12th, 2022 the Swansea Historical Society Executive Board had mason, Jon Isreal, inspect the exterior of the building as well as the fireplaces and chimneys. The inspection revealed issues that we were aware of and additional issues that need to be addressed. Jon has extensive experience working on Masonry of historical structures. He was responsible for the rebuilding of the fire places and chimneys, from the ground up, at the Durfee Lafayette Museum in Fall River.

We need your assistance. Any financial help would be greatly appreciated. Your donations will be used for restoration and repairs only; not for operating funds.
The 2022 Swansea Historical Society Executive Board

Donations to fund the ongoing repairs can be sent to:
The Swansea Historical Society
P.O. Box 723
Swansea Massachusetts 02777
or contact Cheryl Bogle at 508-496-9564 or @ integracrete2@gmail.com