Westminster Historic District Commission outlines 250th anniversary projects, signs and plaques planned

The Westminster Historic District Commission on (date not specified) told the mayor and common council it has launched a suite of legacy projects tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary, including a re‑nomination of the city’s historic district, new entrance signage, a Sons of the American Revolution marker at the Westminster Historic Cemetery, and a program of brass plaques for Revolutionary‑era buildings.

“We’re working right now on the re‑nomination of the historic district. That documentation is 50 years old, and we got a grant from Maryland Historic Trust,” said Chris McMasters, chair of the Westminster Historic District Commission. He told councilors the commission secured a matching grant from the city for the re‑nomination work and that the effort will include digital access so residents can look up histories of homes in the district.

The commission said two large entrance signs already have been purchased and will be installed at anchor points of Main Street — one near McDaniel College and one near Washington Road — to mark the historic district to visitors and residents. Melissa (surname not provided), a city staff member coordinating installation, said the site/streets department and a sign company will coordinate placement when the signs arrive.

Commissioners described other projects already approved or in progress: planting a Liberty Tree descendant at City Hall, an approved Sons of the American Revolution sign identifying three patriots buried in the Westminster Historic Cemetery (William Winchester, Henry Niff, and Jacob/Caleb Stansbury), and a DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) plaque and unveiling scheduled for Sept. 20 at Belle Grove Square. The commission said the DAR plaque was funded through a Maryland Civil War Heritage Area grant with DNR matching funds and that the city’s public works staff committed to installing the sign.

McMasters said the commission plans to place about 38 brass plaques on surviving structures associated with the Revolutionary period (the commission noted it is stretching the period to include buildings through the War of 1812 era). He said the commission is also developing a Westminster 250 logo (noting it discovered a copyright issue with one design and indicated that designs will be adjusted to remove copyrighted elements).

Council members and staff asked practical questions about placement and timing. Councilmember Pecoraro and other councilors suggested additional gateway signage on major approaches, such as Route 27, but noted state highway approvals may be required. Councilmember Gilbert and others encouraged the commission to coordinate community events around July 4 and explore partnerships to broaden participation, while noting the commission’s small size and volunteer status.

McMasters asked the council for ideas and said the commission would return for periodic progress reports; councilors asked the commission to come back at least once more in the late fall or again in spring before the main celebration. The commission confirmed it is an advisory body to the mayor and council (not a 501(c)(3)) and has no independent authority to hold or disburse funds outside city channels.

The commission’s update did not include requests for new city appropriations during the meeting; McMasters thanked staff for the city’s matching support for the Maryland Historic Trust grant and for public‑works help with sign installations. Councilors expressed appreciation and invited the commission to return with updates.

The presentation combined remarks from commission leadership and answers to council questions; no formal council action or vote was taken on the commission’s proposals at the meeting.