Gilman Schoolhouse Project Selected For Village Trust Initiative

Lunenburg and Gilman were recently featured in the Caledonian Record for being chosen as part of the Village Trust Initiative, a statewide program supporting historic revitalization projects across Vermont.

Our community’s proposal to renovate and repurpose the former Gilman Middle School was one of only seven projects selected statewide out of more than 70 applications. The initiative, led by the Preservation Trust of Vermont, the Vermont Council on Rural Development, and the Vermont Community Foundation, will provide funding, technical assistance, and long-term support to help communities like ours reimagine historic village spaces.

This recognition marks an important milestone for Gilman, a village that has faced challenges since the closure of its local mill and school. While the project is still in the planning stages, ideas for the building’s future include potential housing, office space, recreation uses, or a combination of community-centered purposes.

We’re grateful that our town’s efforts were highlighted by the Caledonian Record and the Village Trust Initiative is what cornerstoned the creation of the Lunenburg-Gilman Community Trust!