HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-02-MMC-min
Monuments & Memorials Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 2, 2023
7:00 pm
Parker Room, Town Office Building, Lower Level, and By Zoom
For this hybrid meeting the Monuments and Memorials Committee is convening in person and by
video conference by the application Zoom
Members Present
Linda Dixon, Chair; Avram Baskin, Glen Bassett, Bebe Fallick, Chuck French, George Gamota,
Leslie Masson, Charles Price
Members Not Present: Danjun Pu
Business
Ms. Dixon convened the meeting at 7:07 p.m. and read the Town notice regarding participation.
Approval of Minutes of February 2, 2023
A motion to accept the Minutes of Feb. 2, 2023, was moved, seconded, and approved by roll call
vote.
Presentation by Patrice Todisco, Executive Director, Freedom’s Way
Freedom’s Way is a non-profit orgaization, working in NH and MA, with focus on the National
Heritage Area. They work with the National Park Service with funding from Congress. There
are 45 associated communities, outlining the Gateway to American Independence and
Innovation.
Their website is highly interactive with a focus on historical and major conservation and
agricultural areas, and a user-controlled map. It includes 33 Lexington monuments. They are
heavily invested in storytelling and have produced an eBook, “Women Who Made History”.
They are interested in how the Revolution is commemorated and celebrated in their 45 member
communities and are willing to share the information they have collected.
Ms. Todisco explained the Hidden Treasures Festival, celebrating Nature, Culture and History.
It explores the stories behind how history has been commemorated in the region through physical
objects in the landscape. Member communities are encouraged to hold events during the month
of May that feature a local Hidden Treasure. Mini grants, as well as promotional assistance, are
available for the program. The registration deadline for Hidden Treasures Celebration is April
15. Members are asked to suggest ideas for our participation at the next meeting.
Pathfinder Update
One of the compelling attractions of Freedom’s Way is their guided tour app, that seems to be a
more robust version of our Pathfinder app. The group had a lengthy discussion on the merits of
switching to the Freedom’s Way app. The IT Department would need to be involved.
Avram, Glen, and Leslie will research the Freedoms Way website and test the guided tour app
and report back at the next meeting with their recommendations.
Heroes Symposium on March 18
Linda has been invited to speak at this one-day competition. There will be a tutorial on design,
conducted by the Lexington Heroes Team, and then teams have two hours to design a website for
the new Children’s Room at the Library. A presentation and award ceremony will follow.
School system access
Appointments can be available for visitors to see memorials located in the schools.
Possible DAR Monument Proposal
The current 1975 Liberty Tree and plaque are to be moved from the Visitors Center lawn and
replaced near Buckman Tavern. DAR and DPW will work to achieve this move.
Policies and Procedures Manual
Draft 9 will be presented at next meeting.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was moved, seconded, and approved by roll call vote at 8:50
pm.
Next meeting April 6, 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
Bebe Fallick