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Commission debates wording and format for Praying Indian sign; considers QR codes and expanded online content
Summary
The commission reviewed a proposed rewrite of the aging 'Praying Indian' sign, discussed factual inaccuracies in the wooden sign, and favored a two-part approach: a short roadside plaque (bronze/granite) and a QR-linked online entry with fuller historical context researched with the historical society and local youth groups.
The commission reviewed revised wording for the Praying Indian sign and discussed how to balance readability with historical accuracy. Chair noted the commission had solicited input: "We ran it by the book Indians in town, and we incorporated their edits," and commissioners agreed some language on the old wooden sign is inaccurate and should be updated.
Members debated two main approaches: replace the large wooden sign with a modernized wooden or recreated sign that contains fuller text for readers standing in the parking area, or install a shorter bronze plaque near the street paired with a QR code linking to extended content (hosted on the historical society’s site). Commissioner 3 urged careful wording to avoid redundancy and to better reflect indigenous histories, and several members suggested involving the Girl Scouts to help research and build the QR content. The commission left final format and exact text for follow-up after the Conservation Commission and town staff confirm setbacks and installation practicality.
