FINAL
Present for the Historical Commission and attending the meeting were: Jane Slater, Chair, Barbara Armstrong, Lenny Jason, Steve McGhee and Chuck Hodgkinson. John Flender, Bette Carroll and Karin Wetmore were absent.
The meeting came to order at 5:00 PM.
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION LETTER: Chuck H. reviewed maps and 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 discussed the answers to each of the questions raised by the Commission. Chuck H. will send a letter with photographs and answers to the questions for each site.
GRAVESTONE RESTORATION – ABEL’S HILL CEMETERY: The Commission discussed the proposal from Kai Nalenz of Gravestone Services of New England to restore 35 gravestones in the cemetery. Mr. Nalenz was one of the Commission’s guest speakers during last summer’s history week at the Library. Ms. Slater will discuss the proposal with Mr. Flender -- Chair of the Cemetery Commission -- who could not attend tonight’s meeting. Chuck H. will follow up with Mr. Nalenz and research whether or not family permission must be obtained before restoring a gravestone.
MAYHEW-MITCHELL HOUSE, QUANSOO: Chuck H. mentioned that Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation has submitted an application to have the Mayhew-Mitchell house placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Commission reviewed the application and photos and expressed its delight in how the Foundation under Adam Moore’s leadership is committed to preserving this important historic structure. Sheriff’s Meadow correspondence indicates this may be the oldest house on the island (circa 1655) that is still in its original location. It is also listed as an important historic resource in the Town’s Master Plan.
CHILMARK SCHOOL: The Commission discussed whether or not the Commission and Adam Moore of the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation could host a field trip this spring to the Mayhew-Mitchell house for the Chilmark School children. Chuck H. will contact Mr. Moore to see if he is interested in hosting a tour. If he can do it, Ms. Armstrong will discuss the possibility and get several dates and times from the school Principal. Mr. Moore will also host a lecture at the Library this summer on August 14 with a guided tour of the house on August 15.
MEETING MINUTES: Review of the January 15, 2013 meeting minutes was deferred to the March meeting.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 @ 5:00 PM.
With no further business to conduct the meeting adjourned at 5:32 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Chuck Hodgkinson, CAS.
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