Uxbridge Historical Commission votes to seek town-meeting funding and local fundraising for medallion on the common

The Uxbridge Historical Commission voted to pursue town‑meeting funding and community fundraising to install a commemorative medallion on the town common, after reviewing vendor bids, production timelines and grant options.

The commission’s chair, Susan Frantz, presented vendor estimates for a large engraved medallion intended to consolidate many planned markers into a single, high‑visibility installation on the common. Frantz said a 90‑inch, two‑piece granite option was quoted at $20,760 while a 70‑inch single‑piece granite medallion was quoted at $16,070. Frantz said production with the chosen vendor would take about seven months and warned, “To do this, we would need to have funds in hand no later than March.”

Members discussed site preparation needs — a hard‑packed or concrete base and National Grid line location — and potential risks including theft and skateboard damage. Frantz said she would include a standard construction contingency of about 30 percent for site work and unforeseen costs.

On funding, the commission reviewed external grant possibilities and local options. Frantz outlined that some grants (for example, Daughters of the American Revolution marker programs) can provide awards up to $10,000 but often require a 501(c)(3) sponsor; she noted uncertainty in federal and state humanities funding this cycle and recommended that the commission pursue a mix of local fundraising, targeted business solicitations and a town‑meeting article. Frantz estimated that $25,000 might be achievable through local efforts and in‑kind donations and recommended keeping the common medallion as the first priority because of its visibility.

The commission approved a motion moved by Chair Susan Frantz "to pursue fundraising through town meeting and the other methods that we have discussed," which was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Separately, the group reviewed a related pilot marker (smaller plaque/display) and three vendor quotes. One New York foundry (Metal Designs) quoted a 36x36 cast metal pilot marker at $6,700 plus $300 shipping and a 22x18 option at $2,208 plus $300 shipping; a local stone fabricator quoted roughly $12,500 for a 36x36 stone plaque. The commission discussed placing sensitive markers indoors (library or other public indoor display) to reduce vandalism risk and noted the grant funding that supports the pilot expires in December, which creates a firm production deadline.

Next steps: the commission will finalize designs and sign off at the next meeting to meet production and grant deadlines, pursue town‑meeting article procedures and continue targeted grant and local fundraising outreach.