Historical Commission Meeting

Present (in person):  Mike D., Sue D., Bob C., Adrienne B., John C.

Present (via remote access): Roseann B., Mark C.

* The meeting was called to order at 6pm. Sue explained that remote participation would be available for one hour, as allowed by the TEAMS program, but that if the meeting was still going that she would sent another link to get back in.

I. Brimfield Book-  We discussed book sales continuing through the holiday season at the Apple Barn, Hitchcock, and the Library. Mike brought in books for Sue to drop off at the Apple Barn. He will take care of the other locations. Adrienne will promote the sales on Facebook on the Brimfield community page. 

II. Social Media: Mike reported that he has continued to post old pictures on the community page with an overwhelmingly positive response. He will continue this in the coming months. 

III. Records Project: Mike reported it is moving along as documents continue to be identified, scanned, and entered into the computer. He estimated the project's completion by the middle of next year. Mike and Sue reported hearing footsteps overhead while working and conversation regarding the "encounter" followed. 

IV. Civil War Cannon and Fence Project Update: Mike and Roseann updated the board on the status of applying for the matching grant that they were pursuing regarding the sanding and painting of cannons and surrounding fence. They reported that initial quotes came in over 100K, which forced them to seek alternative quotes as the grant deadline drew near. They reported such quotes were not able to be obtained on such short notice and the deadline passed. The board discussed researching alternative grants and not waiting another year for this particular one to come back around again. After potential grants are identified, the board discussed that quotes for the work involved will be revisited. We discussed needing to identify the requirements on grant applications and seeking quotes to meet those specific requirements. John suggested following up with Ben Curtis as a potential craftsman for the job. John also read information regarding the parrott guns aloud, along with information from the late 1800's relating to the painting of the fence and the original gate. 

V. Plaque Program: Mike reported that he will contact Joe Faucher about continuing the program as there is renewed interest. 

VI. Newsletter: Mike reported that he received articles to be included in this month's newsletter and will be finishing it soon. It will be posted on both our BHC page and the community Facebook page. 

VII. Gazebo Project: Bob reported he will take the buntings on the gazebo down, and Adrienne and Sue will decorate the gazebo for Christmas after Thanksgiving. The community events bulletin board will also be updated this month. 

VIII. New/Old business:

1. Mike passed around an old advertisement for Indian Village. The property and it's former use was discussed. Mike will scan the advertisement into our saved archives.  

2. Mike would like to see our board host guest speakers for the community. Bob added that Sturbridge and Palmer have speaker programs. This is project we agreed to look into.

3. Mike reported that several board members tried to locate the site of the old Brimfield Brick Company and successfully identified the general area with the help of a map drawn by Bernie Samek. Further investigation is required. Mike suggested meeting at the library on Monday night to look over information about the brickyard that is stored there. Follow up via email is needed. 

4. Wyles house: Bob reported on the recent tour and removal of items relating to town history. We discussed one portrait and later found it was not related to John Wyles. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:10 with a motion by Sue D. and and a second motion by Mike D.