Historic District Commission approves granite markers for five Revolutionary War graves at Norwich Colonial Burying Ground

The Norwich Historic District Commission on April 16 approved a certificate of appropriateness to allow the Connecticut Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) to install granite markers at five graves in the Norwich Colonial Burying Ground and to hold a commemoration event on Sunday, July 13.

The approval authorizes eight-by-ten-inch granite stones to be mounted flush with the ground at or adjacent to the identified graves. The applicant told the commission the stones will be three to four inches thick and set by specialists so that ordinary lawn mowing and trimming will not be impeded. The SAR representative said he coordinated the plan with the public works department and that Brian Long, the public works director, signed off by email and in person; the application documents and a cover letter were provided to the commission.

Commission chair Regan said the public hearing portion was intended for applicants to present and answer questions; the applicant, representing the Connecticut Society, Sons of the American Revolution, briefed the commission and answered questions about the selection and placement of the graves. The applicant said he selected a range of service types — militia, officers and regular army — and confirmed he had located each grave before proposing a marker.

Commissioners pressed for details about maintenance and theft risk. The applicant said the commission rejected bronze stake markers because they can cost upwards of $250 each and have been targets of theft in other places; the granite markers were chosen to reduce maintenance and theft concerns. He also said public works reviewed the installation method to ensure mowers and trimmers would not be damaged and would not strike the markers.

After discussion, Commissioner Tyler moved to approve the application as submitted; Nancy seconded. In the roll call vote the commission approved the COA; the applicant abstained from voting because he is the applicant. The chair announced the motion passed.

The commission did not specify funding sources for the markers in the meeting record. The applicant did not provide contractor or vendor names beyond saying specialists would handle installation. The commission indicated no additional mitigation conditions beyond standard coordination with public works and the capital improvements committee as previously confirmed by the applicant.

The commission's action allows the SAR to proceed with the planned July 13 marking and commemoration, subject to any permitting or coordination required by public works.