There are 2 historic buildings on Rings Island, Salisbury, Massachusetts that were built in the late 1800's:  The Meeting House and the School House.  They stand on one lot known as 8 Fourth Street, Salisbury, MA.   The parcel was owned originally by the Dole family and when school districts became a Massachusetts law initiated by John Adams in 1790 for the purpose to allow easy, local access to education, eventually the Dole family sold the land to the Town to build the required School House.  It was built in 1870, and to the standard of the Greek Revival style which was inspired by Greek scholars and the importance of education for everyone to better themselves.

Later, the Meeting House was built next to the School House, and was the place where people gathered to pray and receive religious services.  Eventually, the Meeting House functioned as another School House, and later became the Union Chapel Museum where Mary Littlefield was the docent and offered free tours to people who wanted to see the collection of Rings Island artifacts she acquired from passed down families beginning as early as the 18th century.  

These buildings are surrounded by a rare collection of 18th century, center chimney homes, and sits on the top of the Island's small hill of rock.  If the town decides to either "improve" the site or sell it, that would end this historic landscape and the collection within.  The installation of water lines and sewer lines, driveways, etc would require blasting and removal of the rock, and destroy the buildings as we see them.  There are no other historic buildings in Salisbury except the Pike Primary School House built later in 1882.  This is a rare snapshot of history which provokes thought, wonder, and enjoyment, and should be preserved as-is for the sake of having it for future generations.  I want to promote saving these structures, and fight against the greed of "improving" them that will forever destroy their beauty and importance to our community. 

By signing this petition, you support the vision of keeping both buildings at 8 Fourth Street, without any modern water or sewer lines, and advocate for the town's Historical Commission to access and supervise the buildings maintenance and museum collection including its operation and access to the public.