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03/18/2020 08:30 AM

Stanton House Museum Forges Out on its Own


Clinton Historical Society President Christy Pontillo (right) present the society’s final check to Adam Stanton House board members Bob Bruch and Dale T. Moore. Photo courtesy of Megan Stine

Effective March 1, the Adam Stanton House is no longer under the jurisdiction of the Clinton Historical Society (CHS). Now a standalone nonprofit entity, the board is looking forward to embracing the associated changes.

Originally built in 1791, the Adam Stanton House was where one of Clinton’s earliest families and business owners called home. The house serves as a museum and has many original artifacts inside.

Adam Stanton House, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, was formed to help run the Adam Stanton House. According to CHS board member Megan Stine, the Stanton House needed to be a standalone entity because the trust that was formed to fund the museum was running out of money. Additionally, Stine said that there were strict rules associated with the trust that prevented fundraising efforts that were needed to improve the house.

“We needed to eliminate the trust because it was running out of money. We wrote bylaws with the advice of an attorney that specializes in 501(c)(3)s,” Stine said.

In 2014 Stine said that CHS began brainstorming ways to alleviate the situation and in 2016 came up with the idea to transfer to a nonprofit.

“CHS pledged to donate $5,000 a year for three years while helping the Stanton House navigate the ropes of creating a 501(c)(3) organization. During that time, CHS had some oversight responsibilities and authority for the Stanton House, but that period ended on March 1 this year,” Stine said. “On Feb. 29, Christy Pontillo, president of CHS, presented the Stanton House board members with the final $5,000 check at a Stanton House fundraising event and the Stanton House became fully independent of CHS, although CHS will continue to hold two seats on the Stanton House board.”

Stine said that as a nonprofit, the board can focus on improving the experience at the Stanton House.

“They’ve been doing really well [with fundraising] the last couple of years, but not sufficient enough yet to do big repairs,” said Stine.

Stine pointed to roof repairs, structural improvements and painting as items that needed to addressed at the house.

“They can apply for grant and have done so, too,” Stine added.