The Wilton Historical Society will now be able to keep its historic buildings and collections safe while reducing its energy use, thanks to a generous donation from Wilton’s Servco Oil and Propane. The donation was made through Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program (“NAA”). Donations through NAA give businesses a tax credit equal to 100% of the donation for energy efficiency projects. The program means businesses can support local nonprofits and subtract that full amount from their CT state taxes.

The Historical Society’s museum houses a collection of over 14,000 objects ranging from a piece of a statue of King George III to a soccer Jersey from Wilton’s own Olympian, Kristine Lilly. Society officials said that the collection must be kept at strict climate conditions in order to keep it safe — and a well-functioning HVAC system is a critical part of ensuring that happens.

Now, thanks to Servco and other NAA participants, the Historical Society will be replacing the HVAC systems both at the museum’s main campus at 224 Danbury Rd. and at Lambert House at 150 Danbury Rd., believed to be the oldest known house still standing in Wilton

Wilton Historical Society Director Nick Foster said the current system in the museum’s main facility at 224 Danbury Rd. is 23 years old, inefficient, and at the end of its life. The unit in Lambert House is so old that the manufacturing date on the equipment is no longer legible.

Development Associate Abbey Dillon thanked Wilton Re for its ongoing and generous support as well as Connecticare and Eversource for their significant donations.

“Thanks to our community partners, we are able to maintain and preserve our portfolio of historic structures. Every dollar donated helps to preserve Wilton’s rich history, and to connect, engage, and educate all who would look to the past to shape the future,” Foster said.

“We love Wilton, Servco has been a big part of the community here for so many years,” said Steve Santa, chief operating officer of Santa Energy, Servco’s parent company. “We try to give back where we can and the NAA program is a great way to do it. More local businesses should take advantage of this program to support our nonprofit organizations that do so much for us.”