Charlestown Preservation Society Celebrates Award-Winning Restoration of Memorial Hall

BOSTON, July 22, 2026 — The restoration of Memorial Hall, the historic home of Abraham Lincoln Post 11 of the Grand Army of the Republic at 14 Green Street, has received a 2026 Preservation Achievement Award from the Boston Preservation Alliance. The Charlestown Preservation Society (CPS) is proud to have played a significant role in the decade-long community effort that helped make the award-winning restoration possible.

“Memorial Hall represents exactly why historic preservation matters,” said Amanda Zettel, President of the Charlestown Preservation Society. “This recognition celebrates years of dedication by the Abraham Lincoln Post 11, Friends of Memorial Hall, preservation professionals, volunteers, and community supporters. CPS was honored to help bring together the partnerships, advocacy, and resources that helped move this remarkable restoration forward.”

Originally built in 1791 as the Federal-style mansion of Samuel Dexter, a cabinet secretary under President John Adams, Memorial Hall was transformed in 1888 into the home of Abraham Lincoln Post 11, one of the country’s oldest remaining Grand Army of the Republic posts. After decades of deferred maintenance threatened the building’s future, a dedicated group of veterans, residents, and preservation advocates came together to restore the property.

As part of its preservation mission, CPS helped support the organizational and fundraising efforts needed to advance the project, including working with community partners to identify preservation funding opportunities and strengthen the infrastructure required for a restoration of this scale. CPS also led the successful nomination effort to designate Memorial Hall as a City of Boston Landmark, a designation unanimously approved by the Boston Landmarks Commission in 2026.

The restoration was made possible through the collaboration of numerous partners, including Friends of Memorial Hall, Abraham Lincoln Post 11, Spencer Preservation Group, North Bennet Street School, and skilled preservation craftspeople specializing in masonry, carpentry, paint analysis, ironwork, and historic restoration.

Following more than a decade of work, today, the restored building continues its legacy as an active community resource serving veterans, neighborhood organizations, and residents.

This recognition reflects the Charlestown Preservation Society’s ongoing commitment to protecting Charlestown’s historic character through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

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About Charlestown Preservation Society
The Charlestown Preservation Society (CPS) was founded in 1967 to protect Charlestown’s historic buildings from destruction. Today, we’re continuing that legacy by preserving the town’s historic charm—its architecture, landscapes, and vibrant community. We’re passionate about advocating for preservation, supporting responsible growth, and educating others on what makes Charlestown one of Boston’s most unique and beloved neighborhoods.