FINAL
Present for the Historical Commission and attending the meeting were: Jane Slater, Chair, Karin Wetmore, Barbara Armstrong, Bette Carroll, John Flender and Chuck Hodgkinson. Lenny Jason and Steve McGhee were absent. Krishana Collins, Harriette Otteson, Tim Carroll, June Manning and Tom Dunlop also attended.
The meeting came to order at 5:00 PM. The Commission wished Bette Carroll an early happy birthday and proceeded to sing a unique rendition of the occasion’s theme song. A good time was had by all.
TEA LANE FARMHOUSE: Krishana Collins thanked the Commission for its approval of the farmhouse renovation designs and explained that she would like to take advantage of the voter-approved Community Preservation Act (CPA) Historic Preservation appropriation of up to $100,000. This was approved by Town voters at the February 2012 Special Town Meeting. The Community Preservation Committee drafted an agreement that outlines the uses and conditions that must be followed for using these funds. The agreement requires approval by the Historical Commission and Board of Selectmen. Ms. Collins reviewed the itemized cost estimate for those aspects of her renovation plans that she would like to submit for the CPA funds. The Commission reviewed the cost schedule and thought this was an
appropriate use of the funds. The funds will not be distributed until the work is finished, has passed all required inspections and proof of contractor payment is supplied. A subsequent motion was made to approve the application as presented. The motion was seconded and with no further discussion passed unanimously with five in favor. Ms. Slater signed three copies of the agreement which will also need the signatures of all three Selectmen.
TOM DUNLOP HISTORICAL FILM OF MENEMSHA TRAP FISHING: Mr. Dunlop thanked the Commission for its time to review his project of restoring old film of the island’s fishing heritage. He proceeded to show a ten minute film clip of Menemsha fishermen from the 1930’s. Ms. Carroll identified one of the fishermen as her father. After several viewings the Commission thanked Mr. Dunlop for doing this fine work and preserving this important part of Chilmark’s history.
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION LETTER: Chuck H. reviewed overhead photographs of each of the 9 historic structures outlined in the Massachusetts Historical Commission letter dated November 28, 2012. The Commission reviewed the sites and decided to discuss this in more detail at the next meeting.
CHILMARK SCHOOL: Ms. Armstrong read an email response from the Principal to the Commission’s inquiry about whether or not the Chilmark school curriculum includes a lesson or segment on local Chilmark history. After discussion the Commission felt that perhaps more could be done to include Chilmark history in the school’s lesson plans. Ms. Armstrong explained the school has very specific learning and curriculum goals that respond to required state-wide testing hurdles and offered to follow up with the Principal to see what might be possible.
AUGUST 2013 GUEST SPEAKER: Chuck H. said that Adam Moore, Executive Director of the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation gladly accepted the Commission’s invitation to speak at the Library this summer. He will discuss the Foundation’s restoration plans for the Mayhew-Mitchell house in Quansoo. He will speak on Wednesday, August 14 @ 5:00 PM and host a follow up tour of the house the following morning, August 15 from 9:00-10:00 am. The guests will meet at the Library @ 8:30 AM and car pool to the property.
MAYHEW FAMILY LITHOGRAPH: The Commission reviewed the restored lithograph of the Mayhew Family Tree dating back to 1744. The Commission agreed to have the lithograph copy framed at a future date for display in Town Hall.
MEETING MINUTES: The December 12, 2012 meeting minutes were reviewed and approved as presented by consensus. The 2012 Annual Report was reviewed and also approved.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 @ 5:00 PM.
With no further business to conduct the meeting adjourned at 5:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Chuck Hodgkinson, CAS.
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