Project seeks to place park on national historic register
The New London Public Museum is asking local residents to search their scrapbooks and closets for information and mementos about Hatten Park.
The museum is working with the Hatten Stadium Foundation, the New London Parks and Recreation Department and historic preservation consultant Elizabeth Miller to nominate Hatten Park to the National Register of Historic Places.
Museum Director Christine Cross said she photos of the park, the stadium and the pool will helps build a stronger case for the nomination.
“Do you have letters or diaries from relatives that describe the park? Maybe your relatives helped build the park. We need that information,” Cross said. “Help us build the Hatten Park story.”
People need to bring what they have to the museum by Jan. 31, 2024.
In March, the New London Public Museum brought the idea of nominating just the stadium to the Hatten Stadium Foundation,
After meeting with foundation and receiving their support, the museum spoke with the State Historic Preservation Office. They suggested nominating the entire park, not just the stadium.
The State Historic Preservation Office awarded the city a Fuldner Heritage Grant, which covers all costs for a consultant to write the nomination.
“Due to the amount of work necessary, without the ability to hire a consultant, we would not be able to nominate the park,” Cross said. “We need community photos and information to build a strong case for Hatten Park.”
Located at 406 S. Pearl St., the New London Public Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The museum is closed for the holidays on Dec. 22-25 and Dec. 29 to Jan. 1, 2024.
For more information, visit www.newlondonwi.org/museum, call 920-982-8520 or email [email protected].