Historical Commission narrows America 250 lineup to dramatic performers

WAYLAND — May 5, 2025 — Wayland Historical Commission narrows America 250 lineup and moves meetings to Wednesday afternoons. Member Ann Gordon was directed to pursue contracts with the "History At Play" troupe, at roughly $600 per performance, and with a one-woman stage program portraying former Labor Secretary Frances Perkins, after members said they preferred dramatic presentations over a lecture by historian John Bell. Member R. Richard Conard reported that 19 volunteers cleared dirt between the rails at the engine house site over two days in late April, and that Police Chief Ed Berman's identification of a driver led the responsible insurer to fully cover restoration of the damaged Tower Hill sign at Route 20 and Plain Road. On cemetery work, members learned contractor EPIC has billed only about $1,400 — "less than half of the money that we have set aside" — while conservator Josh remains in treatment and new hire Joseph handles priority-three cleaning. Regular meetings shift to 1 p.m. Wednesdays starting July 2.