Dalton 250th Anniversary Committee Seeks Members
DALTON, Mass. — In 1784, the town officially became a legally recognized municipality, and the Historical Commission is now seeking to establish a 250th Anniversary Planning Committee to organize a celebration commemorating the milestone.
Although eight years away, a successful anniversary celebration like this requires early organized planning by a dedicated group, Historical Commission co-chair Deborah Kovacs told the Select Board last week.
"The milestone gives us a rare opportunity to honor our history, recognize the people who shape this community, and bring residents together in a meaningful way," she said.
"Eight years seems like a long time, but time is fleeting and planning an event like this requires time and commitment."
The town will solicit volunteers to serve on the committee, and the members selected will be announced at the September Select Board meeting, Select Board chair Robert Bishop said.
Those interested in serving on the committee email the Historical Commission.
The committee will be tasked to coordinate with local organizations, explore funding opportunities, develop events and commemorative projects, and engage the public well in advance, she said.
"We want the celebration to be community-driven, inclusive, and reflective of Dalton's character," she said.
"Establishing the committee now ensures we have the time and structure needed to create a celebration worthy of Dalton's 250 years."
This is obviously a very important committee so a lot of thought has to go into the committee’s structure and charge, Select Board Vice Chair John Boyle said.
"We should openly solicit people that are interested in serving on it," he said.
According to the commission’s documentation, it is requesting that the committee have 7 to 11 members made up of Dalton residents, representatives of local organizations, Historical Commissioners, and Individuals with experience in event planning, history, education, or community engagement.
"We want this to be a celebration shaped by the entire community," Dennis Croughwell, Historical Commission co-chair, said in a press release.
"Local groups, schools, businesses, and residents will all have opportunities to contribute ideas, host events, and help make Dalton's 250th anniversary truly memorable."
The request gives the Select Board the authority to designate a chair and vice chair or may allow the committee to elect its own officers at its first meeting.
The ad-hoc committee will hold regular public meetings, maintain records, minutes, and documentation, provide periodic progress reports to the Select Board, coordinate with town departments, as needed, and prepare a final celebration plan for Select Board review and approval.
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