Lebanon commission seeks '7 to Save' recognition, schedules open houses after survey shows room for ramp

Lebanon’s Heritage Commission heard an update on the Soldiers' Memorial on July 22 after staff submitted the city’s nomination to the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s '7 to Save' program.

Chair reported staff filed the application more than 24 hours before the deadline and commissioners discussed timing for announcements; staff said winners are typically announced around September and may be associated with an event. Commissioners agreed to hold public open houses at the Soldiers' Memorial on Aug. 6 (4–6 p.m.) and Sept. 3, and to solicit volunteers to help staff clean out stored items in the building.

A draft survey circulated to the commission showed roughly seven feet of space on the east side of the building, which staff said would be sufficient to install a handicap ramp if other conditions permit. Staff cautioned the survey is a draft and that a stamped final version will follow in the coming weeks. Members asked to review the final survey and to be notified when the stamped document is available.

Commissioners also discussed how the Soldiers' Memorial might participate in downtown events (December and Veterans Day) and noted potential volunteer support from local reenactor groups. No formal action was taken beyond scheduling the open-house dates and requesting final survey documents for review.