Editor,

It is with great sadness that the Windham Historical Society must announce it has voted to end the capital campaign to raise funds for acquisition of the Parson Smith House and property.

The Parson Smith House Committee feels it has explored all possible means of funding, with limited success.

The committee wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to all who cheered us on for 18 months, and to those who donated to the project. Your optimism and encouragement helped keep us going.

In keeping with our promise to return all donations in the event the effort was unsuccessful, all private donations are being returned. In addition, the Town of Windham has been notified that the $30,000 won in the June, 2006 referendum will not be claimed. A generous grant awarded us by the Davis Family Foundation has also gone back. Promises made are now promises kept.

There is possibly a bright side to this ending, however. It seems our effort may have inspired a new group with similar designs on the Parson Smith property. It is anticipated that this group will have far greater resources than we did in seeking funding. Keep tuned to local media for more details. We wish them the very best of luck, and will be available for assistance in any way we can.

Again, thank you Windham (and beyond). Your support has meant more to us than you know.

Walter N. Lunt

Windham Historical Society