HomeMy WebLinkAbout01142015 Nantucket Cultural Council MinutesMinutes of the Nantucket Historical Commission
January 14, 2015
Attending: Deborah Timmermann, chair; Phil Gallagher; Kevin Kuester; Michael May.
Ms. Timmermann called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
The agenda was unanimously approved.
Minutes from the previous meeting were unavailable and will be considered at a future meeting.
-Ms. Timmermann noted that she will send instructions to Caroline Ellis and Michael May regarding
posting meeting minutes.
Oral History: The Committee discussed developing an oral history program. Ms. Timmermann will
contact Mike Fruzzetti who has agreed to be interviewed regarding the island’s Native American history.
There was discussion about significant sites and areas and how to protect this information since they are
often targets for amateur archeologists and others. Phil Gallagher noted he would like to learn more about
health issues of the early inhabitants and overall the committee felt we might focus on resource sites
especially lost sites (i.e. where the schools are now located) and place names. We might investigate state
signage markers that commemorate Native American history on Nantucket. More information about
undertaking oral histories will be gathered.
Mr. Gallagher made a motion commending the chair for her work on developing an oral history program
which was seconded and unanimously approved.
Hospital: The chair provided an update on the hospital expansion which will now be confined to the
present site.
Other Issues:
- The chair noted she had a good discussion with Tom Barnes about issues like insulation and green
building methods and he was available if necessary for further discussion.
- Discussion about the razing of Bookworks ensued. No one heard that the demolition was happening.
Mr. May noted that there is an effort underway to revise the HDC ordinance and it was suggested that we
consider assisting the HDC work group and Town in this effort.
-Mr. Kuester asked members to look at the new bike racks. A work group had previously met regarding
street furniture and removing clutter but he was unaware that these racks were approved. It was noted
that they are reversible and will be grouped.
Public Comment: Lucy Dillon noted that she was attending on behalf of the Nantucket Town
Association and provided information about the Association’s purpose. We hope to work with them in
the future.
The meeting adjourned at 5:40 P.M.
Respectfully submitted: Michael May