Norwich commission clears Towne Street storytelling mural and cemetery interpretive panel
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Summary
The Norwich Historic District Commission approved a mural at 55 Town Street and an accompanying interpretive panel for the Norwich burying ground. Presenters tied the project to a local slave narrative about Primus Arms; organizers committed to maintenance and community involvement.
The Norwich Historic District Commission on Feb. 18 approved a proposal to install a storytelling mural on a wall at 55 Town Street and an interpretive panel in the nearby burying ground that together commemorate Primus Arms, an enslaved Norwich resident whose family served in U.S. wars.
John, presenting for the Alex Grama Corporation, said the mural will consist of multiple PolyTab panels created by artists in Norfolk, Va., and Georgia and installed at UCFS’s building. "We would like to create a storytelling mural relative to this individual story," he said, describing panels that trace the family’s history from enslavement through Revolutionary and Civil War service. John added that some panels are being painted by residents at a Georgia care facility and that the project will include a community painting event on April 18.
Commissioners and several public commenters asked who will maintain the mural. John said his nonprofit and the Norwich Historical Society will collaborate on upkeep and that his organization is “in for the long haul” to ensure the work endures. Pam (representing UCFS) said UCFS is hosting the mural on its property and noted the wall faces the African American section of the burying ground, creating a direct link between the artwork and the cemetery.
Carrie said an interpretive panel will be placed in the burying ground to elaborate on the ‘colored section’ and to tie the panel’s design and verbiage to the Norwich Freedom Trail scheme. She said sign professionals proposed a 24-by-36-inch panel; the application packet listed 15-by-30 inches but the installer recommended standard sizing.
Commissioners focused on materials and compatibility with the historic district. Presenters said the mural uses PolyTab panels with a protective topcoat designed to resist graffiti and weathering; they also committed to fundraising or repairs if deterioration occurs. PARS (Public Art for Racial Justice Education) was named as a local partner helping to find artists and support upkeep.
The commission moved to accept the Towne Street mural application as presented and, after roll call, the chair announced the motion passed unanimously. The applicants were reminded they will receive written notification of the commission’s decision the same night or the next business day.
The project proponents emphasized community involvement and education; the panel and the mural are intended to work in tandem to acknowledge and teach about the history of the burying ground’s African American section.
