Norwich Historical Society seeks Liberty Pole and plaque for town green

Carrie, speaking for the Norwich Historical Society, presented a proposal to install a Liberty Pole on the Norwich green as a commemorative feature tied to historical gatherings. She told the commission the monument application was approved by the city council the night before and that Public Works has approved the installation.

Carrie said the pole will be shorter than some historical examples; the project team discussed a roughly 35-foot height and a plaque that will remain as a permanent remembrance if the pole is later removed. The historical society has agreed to handle maintenance; Carrie said the installation is expected to last several years but that the plaque will be more permanent.

Commissioners asked whether flag changes or decorations would require additional approvals; commissioners compared routine flag displays on private homes and explained small decorative changes typically do not return to the commission. The location described was toward the inner point of the green near Elm Avenue and East Mountain, near an existing tree and lighting.

The presentation included a maintenance plan submitted with the monument application, and Carrie said the historical society will monitor appropriateness; City Council and Public Works approvals were cited during the presentation. The transcript does not include an explicit HDC roll-call vote on the Liberty Pole during the regular meeting portion of the transcript.