HomeMy WebLinkAbout24.01.08 - Minutes, Historical Advisory CommitteeMinutes of the Jan. 8, 2024 meeting of the Historical Advisory Committee of the Washington
County Commissioners. 12 Noon, Jan. 8, 2024 at Western Sizzlin' Restaurant
Members Present:
Ralph Young, Derek Harvey, Zunny Matema-Miller, Bill Knode, Jefferson Boyer, Bill Beard, Tom Clemens
1. Read and approval of the Nov. 23, 2023 meetings' minutes. Approved without correction on motion
by Tom, seconded by Bill B.
2. Old Business
2024 Frye Awards Banquet & Nominations:
Ralph stressed that he will need help with the planning. Jefferson volunteered to do the
photographs again.
We discussed a tentative date and settled on May 15, 2024. Derek will check that with the
BOCC.
It was also discussed moving the venue to Elmwood Farm near Williamsport. We need to investigate
the costs and if the BOCC will cover them. When held at the Applause Catering they wrap the cost into
the meal. Ralph will check with them for a catering price.
After discussion it was agreed to recognize the following:
Preservation Award - The restored Spielman hose & farm on Spielman road. Nominated by Ralph.
Adaptive Reuse Award - Lehman's Mill complex. Nominated by Bill B.
Preservation Advocacy Award — Ft. Ritchie Museum. Nominated by Jefferson
We agreed to put off until next year: Boonesborough Museum; National Road Museum/ Trolley Museum; Port
44 Williamsport. (It is encouraging that we have so many candidates!)
Replacement for National Road milestone: Update: Ralph shared a picture of the replacement
marker on Rt. 40 near Huyetts. It will soon be installed.
Membership — Ralph noted that we still need representatives from; Boonsboro/Rohersville area,
Cascade area, and Maugansville. Members are encouraged to seek nominees.
3. New Business
Reichard farm complex on Greencastle Pike — Raplph noted that this property has a very old log house, and
an extremely rare log barn. The property is currently owned by AC&T and will likely someday become a gas
station/convenience store, although there are no immediate plans. It was suggested to move the building to the
Ag Center on Sharpsburg Pike, which already has several historic structure re -built there. Derek and Jefferson
will look into that option.
Ft. Frederick 100th Anniversary Celebration May 25-6, 2024 - It was suggested we set up a display or table
to highlight preservation efforts. It was suggested that the Washington County Historical Society might want to
do the same. Tom will contact them.
There was also discussion of reviving the effort to rebuild the Officer's Quarters building there, and
where funding might come from. Ralph also mentioned an effort to acquire Gov. Sharpe's sword and other items
he owned.
4. Commissioner Comments — Derek had to leave early, but earlier discussed the increased truck traffic from
the various warehouses built or in the works.
5. Member Comments
Bill K. mentioned a MD -PA marker stone near Ft. Ritchie ??? He also mentioned that the restoration of the
Moller Organ building is being hampered by new windows being broken out.
Tom noted that there is major work being done on the Bast Museum building in Boonsboro. He also noted that
the historic Boyer house in Sharpsburg will soon be turned over to the town of Sharpsburg Town Museum.
Having no other business the meeting was adjourned at 1:25.
The next meeting will Monday, February 12, 2024 at the Western Sizzlin Steakhouse. 11:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Clemens