The Hebron Historical Society

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the town of Hebron will receive a $200,000 grant for restorations to the Peters House. The funding is expected to gain approval when the state Bond Commission meets September 25.

“One of the distinct characteristics of Connecticut that makes the state a wonderful place to live is the historic homes that dot our landscape,” Governor Rell said.  “This funding will not only help to preserve the historic Peters House in Hebron, it will also provide the town with an opportunity to make it a focal point for community activities.”

This funding will allow Hebron to restore the Samuel Peters House located on East Street.  Acquired by the town in 2004, the Peters House was built in the late 1700’s and was a single-family farmhouse until 1967.

The objective of the project is to preserve and convert the existing structure and utilize it for municipal or community purposes, such as housing the town’s parks and recreation department.  The project will entail bringing the house up to current building codes, addressing Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and performing some interior modifications.

State Representative Pamela Sawyer played a pivotal role in securing funding for this project.

These funds are being made available through the Connecticut Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP). STEAP provides financial assistance for projects that encourage economic development and preserve the character of the state’s less-populated towns.

The state-funded STEAP program provides funds to eligible towns for economic development, community conservation and quality of life projects. To be eligible, a town must have a population of less than 30,000 residents, not be designated as a distressed municipality or a public investment community and not have an urban center. The state Office of Policy and Management administers this program and individual projects are managed by several state agencies including DECD.