The Historical Commission on Tuesday received updated information on the design and potential placement of a plaque honoring residents who had been enslaved in Hopkinton for their contributions to the town.

Member Anne Mattina, who also is the Hopkinton Historical Society’s president, shared the latest plan for the sign’s design. She explained that it included about 40 names of “people who were enslaved in town and their immediate descendants.”

She added that Linda Connelly, the Historical Society archivist, compiled the list using “multiple sources for each of the names she has discovered.”

“All of the wealthiest landowners in town — and even the first minister — had at least three or four slaves,” said Mattina. “It was expected.”

New member Nicholas Ceddia said once slavery ended in the Northern states, the formerly enslaved people tended to stay on as indentured servants, working for room and board.

Added Mattina: “It’s a very rich and interesting history.”

Approval by other commissions required

The plan is to place this memorial on the Town Common next to the one honoring Hopkinton’s first white settlers as a way to honor all people who contributed to the town’s early development. Mattina pointed out that the enslaved people “were building their houses and churches.”

Roughan noted that the Hopkinton Historic District Commission and the Parks & Recreation Commission need to approve its placement. He called the sign “very modest.”

Added Roughan: “I actually prefer to have them joined instead of just distributed too broadly.”

Debate arose during the past two years over the proposed plaque’s accuracy, contents and location. The Parks & Recreation Commission has purview over the memorials placed on land under its jurisdiction.

Last fall, the Select Board asked about the results of a peer review stating that further research needed to be completed. Connelly took issue with this comment, noting that she has dedicated a decade to documenting those who were enslaved between the town’s founding in 1715 to around 1790, when the last enslaved person was listed on the town census.

Since that time, Mattina said, more names have been added. She advocated for the placement as a “companion to that stone” that recognizes the white settlers.

Center School reuse project update provided

Member Eric Sonnett, the commission’s liaison to the Community Preservation Committee, told members that the demolishing of the two additions to the historic Center School likely will start in September.

“Our plan for this coming year is to do the main historical building exterior,” he said.

Work would include fixing the windows and the slate roof as well as pointing the brick.

“As the process goes on, at least we’ll have a showplace while all the other stuff is happening,” said Sonnett.

The Permanent Building Committee on July 27 voted to recommend Vertex as the owner’s project manager to the Town Manager’s Office so that contract negotiations could commence.

The Center School reuse project is a public-private partnership between the town and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. It will include space for the Parks & Recreation and Youth & Family Services departments as well as the HCA.

McFarland-Sanger House lease discussed

Roughan said the town is in the process of writing the lease agreement for the McFarland-Sanger House, located at 148 Lumber Street. The historic house is considered one of the oldest properties in Hopkinton.

He noted that Deerfield Estates, a nearby condominium complex, has “declined to show interest in leasing it.”

There had been hopes earlier this year that Deerfield Estates would lease the property from the town for a nominal fee.

If no one else is interested in leasing the property, Roughan suggested that the house be “buttoned up” to preserve its integrity.

Sonnett noted that the nearby well had not been conveyed to the town along with the house. He asked that town counsel be consulted, as the lack of a water and sewer system has “diminished the value of our property that we bought in good faith.”

Revision of Hayden Rowe home deemed ‘not historically significant’

Roughan said he had “no problem” in saying that proposed revisions to the entrance portico to 19 Hayden Rowe were “not historically significant.” Members agreed in a 7-0 vote.

The house, which members agreed is historically significant, will be painted white. The removal of the entrance portico will improve access to the home.

Public hearing to be held on Pleasant Street home

Roughan noted that a public hearing will be held at the Sept. 1 meeting on a historic home located at 62 Pleasant Street.

While the details could not be discussed because the item was not on the agenda, the chair explained that he was told earlier in the day that there was interest in developing the property.

The commission’s protocol, he added, gives the chair the ability to declare that a property is “historically significant.”

The hearing will focus on whether the home is “preferably preserved.” If so, that means that the commission can prevent its demolition for two years.

“We suggest that the owner come to us with any proposed plans that they have to replace it,” added Roughan.

If the plans meet with the commission’s approval, then the preferably preserved designation can be removed. This decision would allow for the release of a demolition permit.

Roughan to ‘step down’ after completing term

The board voted 7-0 to retain Roughan as its chair. Brian Colella will remain the vice chair, while Scott Knous will continue as the treasurer. Sonnett will keep his CPC liaison position.

Before the vote, Roughan announced that he will “step down as chairman” on June 30, 2027, when his term expires.