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East Longmeadow Historical Commission discusses Time Capsule leadership change, museum security and upcoming openings
Summary
At its March 10 meeting the East Longmeadow Historical Commission approved minutes, announced a Time Capsule leadership change, scheduled museum openings and raised concerns after an unsuccessful break-in attempt and a lapse in museum heating. Members also reviewed archival progress and planned documentation before an old high-school demolition.
The East Longmeadow Historical Commission met on March 10, 2026, in the History Room at the East Longmeadow Library and approved the February 3 minutes after a motion by Commissioner George Kingston, which was seconded and recorded as "all in favor." The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 6:39 p.m.
Commissioner Bruce Moore presented updated commission brochures and shared documents and photos related to the new high school's Natatorium, noting connections to the historic Redstone Quarries. Moore reported that he has withdrawn from his role on the Time Capsule project and asked Andrea Driscoll to take his place; members said the second Time Capsule meeting with the Rotary Club was held March 5 and identified Andrea Driscoll, George Kingston, Christine Devlin, Tom Christensen, Dawn Starks and Dan Burack as attendees.
The Commission scheduled the next Museum opening for March 21 from 1–3 p.m.; members said the February 21 opening had drawn seven guests, including author David Cecchi, chairman of the Agawam Historical Commission. Commission members reported that the History Room archival project continues with ongoing work by Sylvia Santucci, Joyce Kent and George Kingston, and that Christine Devlin’s planning timeline remains a useful guide for the Time Capsule and parade planning committee.
Bruce Moore told the group of two facility concerns: an unsuccessful break-in attempt at the Museum via a window and a recent lapse in heat when the Museum's oil tank was left empty and not refilled. The Commission discussed these as building-security and maintenance issues to be addressed; no formal motion or contract award related to repairs was recorded in the transcript excerpt.
Members also discussed documentation and preservation related to an impending demolition of the old high school. Commissioner John McKara suggested conducting a walk-through of the building before demolition so photographs and materials can be collected for the Time Capsule and the archive. Commissioner George Kingston said he will give a historical presentation at the Reserve on March 25 at 4:30 p.m. and requested photos of the old high school for that purpose.
The meeting included several community notes: Andrea Driscoll donated framed photos of Tom Behan for his family and one for the Museum and prepared a commission thank-you card for donations in lieu of flowers; members noted a service for Tom Behan and his late wife Julianna on March 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Marks Church; and Commissioner Bruce Moore shared an obituary for Steven Peachy Valentino, described in the minutes as the owner of 'Peachy's pickles' and a Special Olympics coach.
The Commission set its next meeting for April 7, 2026. Commissioner George Kingston moved to adjourn at 6:39 p.m.; the motion was seconded and recorded as "all in favor."
