The Jan. 27 meeting was called to order at 4 pm in the Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library.  Present were Michael Dell’Orto, Phyllis Tallarico, David Potter, and Don Channing.  It was a brief meeting.  The future content of the downtown kiosk’s proposed display was discussed.  A progress report was given on the Town Hall’s National Register status.  The state approved the application, which was then passed on for national approval.  The meeting was then adjourned.

The Feb. 24 meeting was called to order at 4 pm in the Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library.  Present were Stanley Young, Michael Dell’Orto, Don Channing, Phyllis Tallarico, David Potter, and Nancy Clark.

The December minutes were read and approved.  The treasurer reported no change.

It was reported that the budget request will be $700.  Town Meeting approval is pending.

There are two historic signs on order.

The Lot 48 kiosk was discussed.  It will provide a covered, one-sided display area, smaller than the kiosk by the police station.  Its text and pictures will initially be devoted to the several downtown fires that so radically changed Main Street over the years.

Stanley displayed pictures of the high water mark signs on the side of a downtown mill building showing where the Souhegan rose in the floods of 1936 and 1938.  The signs are very faded, and it was proposed that a Wilton Heritage Commission sign be placed somewhere to note the presence of the high water marks as well as provide information on the floods.

Members discussed the Freedom’s Way organization.  The idea is to inventory a town’s special places in order to make maps and guides or otherwise attempt to draw attention to these attractions in the cause of promoting tourism.  The Department of the Interior participates in this program and federal funding or other grant money may be available.  Selectmen approval is required to join.  Freedom’s Way is sponsoring an April meeting for all area Heritage Commissions.  Surrounding towns already participate.  Stanley suggested that we ask someone from the organization to talk to Heritage Commission.

The question arose whether the Heritage Commison should now seek National Register status for another building in town. The Red House, which is the oldest surviving non-residential building in town, was suggested although there will be questions about who will cover the related  costs.  Michael pointed out that a so-designated Red House would serve as an anchor for putting all of Wilton Center on the National --  or State -- Register, and in that case, a fund-raising effort could be contemplated.  Commission members decided to look into the question of establishing such an Historic District.

Commission members then considered Corinne’s email question about asking long-time Wilton residents to record oral histories.  It would be necessary to define what subjects would be discussed and which questions to ask.  Someone who worked in the mills and someone who attended a Winter Carnival were mentioned as suitable candidates.  It was also observed that this might be a better project for the Historical Society to spearhead.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Clark, Secretary