The primary focus of the meeting was the bridge replacement project on Smith’s Lane. A consulting firm, WSP, sought feedback from the historical commission about any possible effects the project might have on nearby historical sites. One member remarked on the substantial traffic in the area, particularly given the proximity to an Amazon facility. Despite some curiosity about potential historical concerns, the board largely agreed there were no significant impacts to consider. However, the project’s plans were requested for further scrutiny to ensure no historical sites would be compromised.

The board also delved into ongoing efforts related to the Kingston 300 Inc. initiative, aimed at documenting local history. Fundraising for this project was a significant topic, with an emphasis on the matching grant program that doubles contributions, such as a recent $250 donation which effectively became $500. A discussion unfolded on potential fundraising strategies, including raffles and sponsorships. These sponsorships offered various levels of contribution, starting at $100 for a family name mention and $2,500 for larger business advertisements. The need for a streamlined digital donation process was highlighted, as current setups lacked a dedicated website for transactions, although a Venmo account was mentioned.

Further into the meeting, discussions turned to historical initiatives concerning Civil War graves. There was a proposal to create a digital archive of grave photos to enhance the town’s historical preservation documentation. This idea included the use of QR codes to link additional information about significant local historical figures and architecture. The importance of accurately capturing these historical elements was emphasized, with an estimate of documenting between several dozen to a few hundred markers.

Another topic was the funding for evaluating historic oak trees at the Evergreen Cemetery. The Finance Committee had shown mixed support, while the Community Preservation Committee was more favorable. The Selectmen had not yet voted on this issue, and there was a recognized need to address public concerns about tree preservation. As the upcoming town meeting approached, it was stressed that someone should be prepared to answer questions regarding this project.

Budgetary discussions also unfolded, addressing the need for supplies to clean gravestones and the difficulty in obtaining estimates for tree work at old burial grounds. The board noted the challenge of securing multiple quotes, as one received bid was below the required standards. Concerns were raised about the logistics of tree work, including potential damage from heavy equipment and the need for police oversight to manage any resulting disruptions.

Near the meeting’s conclusion, an interesting historical discovery was shared regarding Kingston’s maritime past. A whaling vessel named the Greyhound, built in 1850, was highlighted. Its logs, accessible online, were described as containing fascinating maritime stories, which sparked interest among attendees. This discovery underscored the richness of local history and the ongoing efforts to unearth and document it.