Provincetown Historical Commission
May 2, 2008
Minutes

 

Meeting called to order at 9:01a.m.
Members Present:  Eric Dray, Taylor Polites, Stephen Desroches, Char Priolo, and Stephen Borkowski.
Members Absent:  Polly Burnell (unexcused) and Steven Milkewicz (unexcused).
Also Present:  Doug Johnstone.

 

1.  Review and Approve Agenda
Polites so moved.  Desroches seconded.
Approved:  5-0-0.

 

2.  Review and Approve Minutes
Borkowski so moved.  Polites seconded.
Approved:  3-0-2.

 

3.  Public Statements
Debra DeJonker-Berry, Town Librarian came to discuss two facets of the continued restoration of the Library:  Landscaping  and the Facade.
Regarding Landscaping,  HC guidance was being sought.  Discussion led to the hardscape features of the original building -- The Center Methodist Church -- being what matters; that a restoration focus must be kept, maintaining broad steps, maintaining current ADA standards.  Fencing will be looked at in terms of cost, and or delineation of street-to-sanctuary.

 

Regarding the Facade,  John Maloney is working on bid docs this coming Monday, 5/05/08.  Dray will be present , representing the HC, and while valuing that in 2010 the building will be 150 years old, will voice seeking to restore as many pieces of the original fabric of the Center Methodist Church facade as possible. **

 

4.  History Summit Planning
Polites provided six images to be used to create the invitations.  All but that of people observing a fire at Arnold’s were chosen to be sent.  These collectible images will eventually be purchasable online, funds going to the Town, though earmarked for the already created HC Gift Fund.  Johnstone will follow up on the logistics with Alix, Town Accountant, with further HC discussion pursuant at our next, May 16th meeting.**

 

The presentation of the invitation was discussed.  We’ve elected to leave it flat, not folded; perhaps even rolled into a tube for postage.  The Summit’s Agenda will also be included as a vellum type additional page.
Johnstone will incorporate information from the History Project’s website and will run the final draft by Polites and Dray. ** 
Priolo will ask Michelle, Summit Facilitator, to attend our next meeting, for her contributions to the structure of the day. **

 

5.  Role of Commission on Town-owned Historical Buildings’ Rehabilitation Projects
Dray brought our (HC’s) offer to be the Town Buildings Commission to the last BOS meeting.  It was accepted.  We will help support the current preservationist team treating Town Hall.  Our next step will be to meet with David Guertin, DPW Chair, also inviting  Sharon Lynn, Town Manager, and the BOS.  Johnstone will post History Summit. **

 

6.  Historic Walking Trail update
None.

 

7.  Oral History Project update
Having witnessed other’s such projects, Deroches suggested we specifically invite those who will tape the histories, probably for a given length of time (i.e. “x” months), so as to effect a continuity of format, and to avoid random tapings.  Priolo reminded that we’d (HC) had elected to maintain the workings of the OHP under the auspices of Debra DeJonker-Berry, where other existing oral
Histories are cataloged and kept.  We will write a concept plan of what we can present to prospective oral history gatherers.  Derosches and Priolo will meet with DeJonker-Berry after her current library restoration priorities get under way. **

 

8.  New Business
Johnstone received a call from a Professor at the U. of Georgia who’s writing on the life of Thelma Given, and cried to discover we had a recording at Carnegie Hall that he didn’t know existed.  The History Project Site is a success!

 

9.  Set Agenda and Date for next meeting
Friday, May 16, 2008 at 9a.m.

 

Borkowski moved to adjourn.  Several seconded.
Approved:  5-0-0.

 


**  indicates an Action Item.