The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday heard the details of a plan to donate and install a plaque on the Town Common commemorating slaves who lived in Hopkinton.
Linda Connelly of the Hopkinton Historical Society presented the plan to the commission, explaining that it was still in its early stages.
The plaque would feature the names of about 25 known slaves. According to Connelly, the majority of them were owned by Sir Charles Henry Frankland.
Frankland moved to Hopkinton in 1751 in part to “get away from the gossip” of Boston. Records show parts of his estate were built by slaves. After his death in 1768, his widow continued to live there for a time with a handful of slaves in her service.
Connelly says this aspect of Hopkinton’s history is not well known. For that reason, she feels the plaque would serve an important purpose.
“It’s to remember these people that most [residents] probably didn’t know had anything to do with the town,” she said.
While the plans for the plaque are not finalized, Connelly did say it likely would be bronze, in keeping with other monuments on the Town Common.
Said Connelly: “It would be subtle, but old-fashioned looking.”
Commission members asked questions regarding the data informing Connelly’s list and the historical precedence for putting this plaque on the common.
In particular, members were concerned with how to tie the marker to the Town Common when what remains of the Frankland estate resides in what is now Ashland.
Connelly explained the purpose of putting it on the Town Common was because it “was the one place people would see it.”
She further illustrated to the commission that her data was backed up by census records, historical tax data and information from Hopkinton Vital Records.
The commission was open to the proposal but requested that Connelly return with more information on the plaque’s design.
As well, members asked Connelly to look into whether other towns were embarking on similar initiatives. Members suggested partnering with Ashland on the plan would be beneficial.
“Partnering with other towns who are having this kind of awareness of what occurred in their municipalities is completely appropriate,” said member Laura Hanson.
Commission reviews updated Town Common use policies
Parks & Recreation Department Director Jon Lewitus presented the commission with a proposed policy update for use of the Town Common.
Under existing Parks & Rec policies, there are no fees associated with use of the common by interested groups. However, they must fill out a reservation application and be approved by the commission.
Lewitus informed the commission that under the proposed plan, there would be a tiered fee structure based on event size, along with other factors.
Members dissected the proposed policy, raising questions about the price of fees, non-resident applications, organizations allowed to apply and more.
Chair Dan Terry expressed concerns about how the new system might result in more applications for use of the Town Common.
“I fear this policy gets publicized and [the Town Common] becomes a new venue for people to come to,” said Terry.
“We’re not looking to have an event every weekend,” he added.
Much of the discussion centered on the issue of exclusive rights to use the Town Common.
Members expressed hesitation to grant any exclusivity to applicants, given that even large events like the PolyArts festival and the Boston Marathon still allow residents to access the area.
The commission settled on not allowing exclusive rights to be part of the new policy. Lewitus agreed to continue working on the proposal and to return to the commission with updates for further review.
As one of the few Black residents of Hopkinton, I applaud the efforts taken to highlight the important history made by Africans turned slaves in developing this country. At issue will be the level to which the commemoration of these individuals will be highlighted as to other Hopkinton historical/non-historical figures who have statutes and other notable and ever-present accolades erected on behalf of the town. A mere rectangular plaque with a list of names does not align to the plight, sacrifice, humiliation and human indecency shown to these members of this community and their travels to freedom, equality and dignity. I would suggest a full expose’ of a few selected individuals and their accomplishments and advancements as free individuals. For example, schools attended, jobs held in positions of authority or otherwise. I hope these suggestions are taken into account.