Several months ago, Chris Burns, a local high school junior contacted the SHSM asking for the opportunity to make a presentation at the next Board Meeting. What he eventually shared with us was his desire to have our 501(c)3 nonprofit group be the beneficiary of his proposed project to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
“We were absolutely speechless,” said SHSM President Donna Weiss, “with his desire to finally have our historic building become handicapped accessible.” Naturally, the group voted “unanimously” to give him the “green light” to move ahead to seek full approval from the Scout Council based on his comprehensive and detailed project proposal.
Chris Burns, a Boy Scout with Stoneham Troop 513 and a Junior at Stoneham High, has been involved in scouting since the first grade. He is currently a Life Scout working toward achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. To earn that distinction is no easy task. A scout must demonstrate management and leadership skills by completing a service project to benefit the community. He has chosen to build a handicapped ramp for our facility. Currently, there is no easy way for a physically challenged visitor to the Museum to see the many exhibits of artifacts pertaining to the town or enjoy any of the many programs/events presented by our group.
To complete the project, Chris is totally responsible to raise $5,270 for the demolition of the old stairs, a dumpster, excavation equipment, cement mixer and building materials and supplies. In addition, he must recruit volunteers to help and ultimately be responsible for every aspect of the plan. He is being proactive in soliciting funds to underwrite this project by organizing many group presentations at local churches and other nonprofit groups, soliciting donations of materials from local vendors and setting up a Gofundme page. We have been soliciting donations through our website, newsletter, press release and our Facebook page. He hopes to have the project competed this Fall.
Please consider helping this dedicated and motivated young man to achieve his goal to “ramp up” support for a worthy cause that will benefit the community for years to come. Checks in any amount may be mailed to SHSM, 36 William St., Stoneham, MA 02180 and will be acknowledged in writing as all donations are tax deductable per current tax laws. The Eagle Scout Service Project proposal and plans are available to review at the Museum. Please email us at historystoneham@gmail.com or leave a message at 781-572-3126 with any questions about the project or any other matter.