Dedicated to Maintaining, Protecting & Preserving

Maxfield Parrish Stage Set & Plainfield Village Town Hall Committees

About the Committees

The committees share a commitment to safeguarding the historical and cultural significance of the Town Hall and Stage Set for generations to come.

Plainfield Village Town Hall Committee

In fall 2021, following discussions about the building’s maintenance needs, the Selectboard appointed the Plainfield Village Town Hall Committee. This 100% volunteer committee is appointed annually by the Selectboard and works with the Town’s facility manager to plan maintenance, oversee capital projects, and ensure the long-term preservation of the historic Town Hall, home of the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set. The committee’s goals include:

  • Developing strategies to maintain and sustain the historic Plainfield Village Town Hall through the 21st century in a fiscally responsible manner.
  • Assisting the Selectboard with maintenance priorities, preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and setting a regular maintenance schedule.
  • Recommending the annual Town Hall maintenance appropriation and capital budget.
  • Exploring fundraising, grants, and other financial resources to support preservation initiatives.
Maxfield Parrish Stage Set Committee

Founded in 1991 under the auspices of the Plainfield Historical Society, the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set Committee successfully raised the $25,000 necessary to clean, repair, and preserve the iconic Stage Set. The Committee supervises the use of the stage to protect the set, engages with the Williamstown Conservation Center for regular inspections to maintain the set, and provides historic interpretation and presentation on the Town Hall and Stage Set. All maintenance and preservation work has been funded entirely through volunteer efforts—no taxpayer dollars have been used.

The Committee organizes fundraising events, including the Columbus Day weekend Maxfield Parrish Vintage Prints and Collectible Sale.

This dedicated group of volunteers has been affectionately called “zealots” for their passionate commitment to protecting this irreplaceable work of art.

Volunteer Committee Members

The Committee is composed 100% with volunteers who have donated thousands of hours without pay over the past several years.

  • Beverly Widger, Chair –
    Plainfield Village Town Hall & Stage Set Committees
  • Bruce Elder
  • Rob Gattie – Stage Set/Theater Advisor
  • George Grabe
  • David Grobe
  • Diane MacDonald
  • Nancy Norwalk –
    Secretary & Co-Chair, Stage Set     Committee
  • Ralph Patalano
  • Diane Rogers – Stage Set Fund Treasurer
  • Erika Smith
  • Hillary Sundell

Our Collaborative Partners

  • NH Preservation Alliance
  • NH State Council on the Arts
  • LCHIP (Land and Community Heritage Investment Program)
  • Williamstown Conservation Center
  • Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
  • Lakeman Theatrical

Our Advisors

  • Nick Artim: Former managing principal of Heritage Protection Group specializing in fire protection for significant cultural heritage properties. His work includes: Hearst Castle, Yosemite’s Ahwahnee Hotel, Vermont’s State House, National Library of Ireland and Jefferson’s Monticello. Nick also served for 12 years on Middlebury, VT’s Selectboard.
  • Andrew Cushing: President of Mascoma Valley Preservation, a nonprofit dedicated to saving and repurposing historic buildings in the Mascoma Valley. Brings experience in preservation advocacy, fundraising, and project management.
  • James (Jim) Perkins: Town Archivist in New London, NH, and historic preservation consultant. Jim researches towns and buildings throughout the state for NH Preservation Alliance and LCHIP. A former professor at Plymouth State University, he taught Historic Methods and Materials of Construction.
  • Jeff Ingram: President of Ingram Construction Corporation, specializing in historic restoration and preservation. Experienced in managing institutional and civic projects in accordance with national preservation standards.
  • Jack Jacobsen: Author of “Maxfield Parrish: The Man Behind the Make-Believe” and a leading expert on Parrish’s work. A longtime supporter of the Stage Set and its preservation.
  • Richard (Rick) Kerschner: Principal of Kerschner Museum Conservation Services and Director Emeritus of Conservation at Shelburne Museum. Internationally recognized for expertise in museum conservation and environmental control.
  • Nadine Miller: Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer for New Hampshire, overseeing state and federal project review and supporting communities in preservation planning and compliance.
  • Timothy F. Rub: Retired museum director and art historian. Former Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other major art institutions, with deep experience in museum leadership and capital projects. Before becoming CEO of Philadelphia Museum of Art, Timothy was CEO of Cincinnati Museum of Art and Cleveland Museum of Art.
  • John Dumville: Former long-time Operations Chief for Vermont’s state-owned historic properties, which includes the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site. He is a past Trustee and Collections Chair for the Vermont Historical Society. Extensive experience in stewardship and oversight of historic sites. John has also served on numerous Royalton, VT, boards, including the Selectboard for 22 years.
  • Clint Swift: Retired Certified Financial Planner and attorney. Former Board member of King Arthur Flour, Ellis L. Phillips Foundation and Montshire Museum. Long-time supporter of Northern Stage and its BridgeUp program.

Get Involved

Join us in preserving the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set. To become a committee member or advisor, or to share your insights and suggestions, please contact Beverly Widger, Chair at info@maxfieldparrishstageset.org.

Contact Us