A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the development of a time capsule, initially set to open in 2074 but later adjusted to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Members shared ideas about what to include, emphasizing the importance of visual documentation to capture the community’s essence for future generations. Suggestions included copies of the Strawberry Vine newsletters, images from local festivals, and materials related to the new library’s opening. The commission stressed the importance of identifying individuals in photographs to provide a comprehensive historical context. There was also a lighthearted exchange about including a picture of “Miss Paraguay,” underscoring the commission’s enthusiasm for the initiative.

The meeting then addressed the future of the Carnegie building, which became a topic of concern following the relocation of the library. Members debated whether to repurpose the building, emphasizing the need for public input and a town meeting before making any decisions. The building’s current status was discussed, with uncertainty about the timeline for its closure as it depended on the library’s complete transition. The library board of trustees still controls the building, leading to questions about public access and potential tours. There was skepticism about the financial benefits of selling the property, with members suggesting alternative uses, such as housing for the historical commission and other town offices to alleviate overcrowding. The importance of maintaining historical buildings was underscored, with the suggestion of preparing a formal proposal to highlight the building’s significance to the community. An idea to meet with the library board for a tour was proposed, drawing parallels to the public’s reaction to the police station’s condition when the town sought its replacement.

The commission also explored the creation of a plaque for Katherine Gomes, who designed the town flag. Discussions focused on the dimensions and wording of the plaque. The plaque would acknowledge Gomes’ contributions and the flag’s historical significance, which features the town seal designed in 1912. Members debated the inclusion of details about the flag’s fabric, concluding that such specifics might not be necessary. The importance of concise language was emphasized to manage engraving costs while ensuring Gomes received appropriate recognition.

Another major topic was the preservation of historical markers and the challenges posed by the lack of a vendor. Members discussed potential vendors for producing plaques and markers, noting that three houses currently await markers. The conversation highlighted the need for direct engagement to advance the project, as well as the importance of gathering more information about historical celebrations like the anniversary of the Wellington, which marked the separation of Wellington and Dighton in 1826.

Participants engaged in a discussion about the Flat Rock Schoolhouse and whether Flat Rock was a hill or a rock formation, ultimately concluding it was the latter. The conversation ventured into the historical context of the area, referencing various hills and the names used in historical documents. This led to a broader dialogue on how history is often documented from specific perspectives.