Anna Bell Chapel named to Places In Peril list
Anna Bell Chapel, the 1893 church that served New Haven, Missouri’s Black community for over 100 years, has been placed on Missouri Preservation’s 2024 list of historic Places In Peril. The former AME Church of New Haven has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1992. View full press release here.
In 2021 the New Haven Preservation Society began a capital campaign to restore the fragile frame building that overlooks the Missouri River at 225 Selma Street. In 2023, the first phase of the restoration work was completed when the church was lifted six feet off the ground to install a new foundation and make repairs to the supporting beams. The donors who made this possible included descendants of the formerly enslaved people who founded the AME church in 1865, and descendants of the German immigrants who donated funds in the late 1800’s.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
Donors giving $500 or more to the Anna Bell Chapel Restoration Project
will receive a full-size print of
Dee Dann’s painting “Cleaning Day at Anna Bell Chapel”
18” x 24” canvas mounted on foamboard
New Haven Preservation Society in New Haven, Missouri
The New Haven Preservation Society, Inc. was incorporated in 1989 for the primary purpose of saving historically significant buildings, documents and artifacts relating to the history of the New Haven, Missouri community.
The Preservation Society is located in the Old Grade School Building, located at 810 Maupin Avenue in New Haven. The building, which was erected in 1883, was purchased by the society on June 30, 1989. has undergone extensive renovation by the Preservation Society. Meeting rooms are available for community use and private rentals. Two museums, an archive and research room are also housed in the building. The archive contains a large collection of historic documents and memorabilia. The museums are popular with visitors to New Haven, school groups, scouts, civic organizations and individuals who are interested in local history. Monthly meetings of the New Haven Preservation Society are held in the building.
The organization is supported by membership dues and private donations. Most members reside in the New Haven area, with some supporting members living outside the area.
Current projects include the restoration of the 130 year old Anna Bell Chapel, and ongoing upgrades to the Old School. In addition to sponsoring several community events, such as a popular Candlelight Christmas House Tour, members also volunteer and assist other organizations involved in community activities.
Meetings
Meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Old New Haven School, located at 810 Maupin Avenue. No meeting in December.
Projects and Events
Anna Bell Chapel Project
This historic chapel is a remnant of African-American culture in the area which deserves to be preserved. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 and is being relocated to the historic district in downtown New Haven, Missouri.
Christmas Candlelight House Tour
Our annual Candlelight Christmas House Tour has been an anticipated event since 1988 and continues to draw many to the New Haven, Missouri area. The house tour is always the first Sunday in December.
Save Our School
The steeple is believed to have been removed from the school during the 1930s. It was restored more than 75 years later by the New Haven Preservation Society.
Visit Our Museums
The “Springgate” and “The Journey Begins” museums provide a glimpse into New Haven’s past. The museums feature dozens of exhibits that include the early Indians, the steamboat era, the Civil War, New Haven’s Front Street, and much more.
The museums are open to the public by appointment.
Admission is free. Donations are accepted.
Call 573-237-2305 to arrange a tour.
Meeting and Event Space for Rent
