Tom Summers, the Executive Director of the Milford Museum, looked back at how Milford viewed historic preservation over the past year. Summers pointed out that people are purchasing historic homes and bringing them back to their original glory.
“I recently spent time with the Milford residents who own the Towers and the Bank House, and I was very impressed with their commitment to preserving the downtown area,” Summers said. “Concerning the most positive development, I think the work being done on the old fire hall is probably the best recent example of trying to preserve the framework of a structure that’s been a very important part of the community’s history.”
The Towers, a bed and breakfast owned by Dan Bond, is just one of the historic properties in Milford Bond has preserved. He renovated the Tharp Jewell House, the Towers, moved an historic home from the lot next to Avenue Church to North Street and is part of the group of investors who are turning the old fire hall into apartments.
“As people are moving to the Milford area, many are taking the time to explore the different cultural aspects of the community and preservation seems to be high on that list,” Summers said. “These folks seem to be paying more attention to the history of Milford and preserving the area that they now call home.”
Summers stated that the museum has had tremendous response to our monthly American History series.
“I believe that series leads people who attend to think more about history and preservation on the local level,” Summers said.
The American History series is offered on the second Saturday of each month at the Milford Public Library and covers a wide range of historical subjects.
“I’m hoping everyone is looking forward to our move, along with the Milford Chamber of Commerce, to the former Milford Police Station in 2026,” Summers said. “Once we’ve settled in, we can focus more on historic preservation issues that affect Milford and the surrounding area.
