HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistorical Comm. 03/29/2018Historical Commission Minutes
March 29, 2018
Present: Martin Conboy, Chair; Annette Shaw, Giampaolo DiGregorio, Louis
Andrews, Gean Parks, Steve Nickerson, Jennifer Davis, Clerk
Visitors: Andy Todesco, F.arl W, Mansfield Historical Society
FL Meeting called to order 4:30 p,m,
Discussion of Memorial Hall
Mr. Todesco said the Historical Society has a lot of artifacts at the Jennie Copeland
house on Rumford Avenue and said the Society would support the idea of a town
museum at Memorial Hall. He said the Society continues to get donations, but is
running out of storage. Mr. Andrews said the Town is moving things around (with
the town's new DPW/Public Safety Building), and Memorial Hall, which was
originally built as a library and meeting place, could be used as a museum. Mr.
Andrews said he has talked to the Superintendent of Schools about past modifications
to the building, which he said can be removed, He said the Superintendent seemed
receptive and said it would have to go through the School Committee.
Mr. Andrews said he would like to get the idea out that the building should be used
for its original intention. He said the Historical Society has thousands of items with
no place to display them.
Mr. DiGregorio said Memorial Hall would be a great location for tours, since it is so
close to the schools, He asked if there is a catalog of the Historical Society's items,
Mr. Andrews said there is a card catalog of a small percentage of items, mostly the
items from the Fisher -Richardson House, but not many of the items in the Jennie
Copeland House.
Mr. Andrews suggested getting a consensus, then talking to the superintendent.
Mr. Conboy said he thinks it would be a good idea to include an educational
component.
Mr. DiGregorio asked about the Fire Station on North Main Street; Mr: Andrews said
there are problems with access to that building. Mr. DiGregorio said a mixed
museum/cultural space would be,a good use of Memorial Hall. Mr, Andrews said
events could be held on the second floor; Mrs. Shaw said that would be a good tie-in
with the Cultural Council
Motion: To support the concept of using Memorial Hall as a museum
(Shaw-DiGregorio) All in favor, PASSES
Mr. Andrews said Memorial Hall has a new roof, and will get new windows and
siding this year.
3/29/2018 Historical Commission
Mr, DiGregorio asked how accessible Memorial Hall would be as a museum; Mr.
Andrews said it would have to be staffed by volunteers. Mr. Todesco said he thinks
people will volunteer the way they do in Foxboro,
Mrs. Shaw said the Non -Profit Gift Fund may be able to help with renovations.
3. Non -Profit Gift Award
Motion: To send a letter to the Nan -Profit Gift Fund thanking them for their support
with the refurbishing of the Revere Bell (Andrews -Davis) All in favor. PASSES
The commission discussed sending New England Brass a letter thanking them for their
beautiful work on the bell.
Fisher -Richardson House
Mr. DiGregorio said he has heard from Mass Historic, which is against the idea of
moving the house. The MHC representative said he would be available to visit the site
and talk about ways to preserve the house,
The Commission discussed the possibility of having a stone wall built along the front
of the house. Mr. Andrews said that could be a problem if the building has to be
ADA -compliant, Mr. DiGregorio said it may not have to be because it is a historic
structure,
Mr, Andrews said the room to the left of the front door sits on dirt with no footings,
lets insects in and would have to be corrected.
Mr. Andrews said he has prepared a display of Fisher -Richardson House artifacts at
the Mansfield Public Library,
15, Cultural Council I
Cathe6ne Roth and Gail Gilman from the Cultural Council explained they are hoping
to do a Cultural District downtown and are hoping for the Commission's support.
They explained the Massachusetts Cultural Council has a cultural district program to
encourage towns to embrace and create art. They have been talking to the state
Cultural Council about the application process. Mrs. Shaw said they have started a list
of all the town's cultural offerings.
Motion: To send a letter of support for the Cultural District
(DiGregorio-Andrews) All in favor. PASSES
Motion: To adjourn at 6:20 p.m.
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C• u� t� �t�lA � i E � i%'f
Signature of Clerk
Date of Approval
PASSES
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