Groups propose mural, cemetery signage and cenotaphs to mark African American history in Norwich

At the Jan. 15 meeting the commission heard a public presentation from John Mills, president of the Alex Grama Corporation, and Pam Kinder of UCFS about a multi‑phase project to recognize an enslaved man from Norwich whose narrative appears in Lydia Sigourney’s 1824 book.

Mills described a three‑part plan: (1) pursue a mural on a UCFS building that faces the African‑American section of Old Norwich Town Cemetery; (2) install signage or markers denoting the cemetery’s African‑American burial area and identify Revolutionary War soldiers believed to be buried there; and (3) place interpretive signage at the Washington Street site near where the man was enslaved, adjacent to the East District Schoolhouse. Mills said the story includes transatlantic enslavement, family members who served in later wars and a 16‑page slave narrative that is not widely known.

Commission Vice Chairman Reagan Minor said the mural itself likely falls under Planning & Zoning review if it is placed on the Meadow Center building outside the historic district, but that the proposed signs in the burying ground and on Washington Street would fall within the Historic District Commission’s jurisdiction and require Certificates of Appropriateness.

Mills said the project team is also exploring cenotaph stones available from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for Revolutionary War soldiers and asked for guidance on next steps. Pam Kinder and Millss confirmed they had consulted Brian Long of Planning and Zoning, who indicated no immediate objections to a mural rendition but would need a visual rendering for review.

Commission staff and commissioners explained procedural details for applicants: a completed application should be submitted in advance of the monthly meeting (the commission typically meets the third Wednesday), and staff requested materials about proposed locations so the commission can determine whether the sign or marker falls inside the historic district boundaries. Jen Granger asked whether Mills could submit the application on behalf of UCFS; staff said Mills may submit if UCFS provides a written authorization allowing him to act on the organization’s behalf. As an alternative, the commission indicated a ruling or approval from the Monuments Commission could satisfy the need for an owner’s authorization when the burial ground is involved.

Reagan Minor summarized next steps: staff will provide the commission’s historic district boundary map and application instructions, Mills and UCFS should assemble a COA application for the proposed signage and cenotaphs, and the commission will accept materials for upcoming meetings if deadlines are met (staff noted applications are due by the fifteenth of the month prior and generally need to reach the city clerk’s office roughly a week‑plus before the meeting to appear on the agenda).

Speakers emphasized the project’s historical research and community importance but no formal action or vote was taken by the commission on the mural or signage at this meeting. Staff agreed to connect Mills and UCFS with archival resources and to assist with COA submission procedures.