NEW GLOUCESTER – The New Gloucester Society’s barn-building project got under way Monday with the demolition of an old stable behind the town hall on Route 231.

The site is being prepared by Bowie Excavating in a partnership with the town, which will dispose of debris.

The barn is expected to be constructed in two phases as money is raised. A donation that covers more than half the cost was made by New Gloucester Society President Nancy Wilcox last fall.

Libby said nearly $20,000 more has been raised through a public campaign. The Davis Family Foundation made a gift of $5,000 for the project, too. The total cost is estimated to be $80,000.

The society is renting the small piece of land for $1 a year for 75 years. It plans to build a 30- by 40-foot barn to house its collection of items.