Rochester Historical Commission begins historical house plaque program
ROCHESETER — After the Joseph H. Plumb Library received a plaque during a Saturday, Aug. 22 ceremony, the town now has 11 historic buildings commemorated with plaques.
The Rochester Historical Commission hopes to increase the number by adding ones to the Leonard's Pond Gristmill and the Academy in the center of town. It is also providing plaques to people who own a house that is deemed historically significant.
The house must meet at least two of the following criteria — advanced age, associated with a historic event, associated with a notable person or group, possessing distinctive architectural characteristics and a former structure that contributed to the town’s prehistory or history of record.
Homeowners can apply for $70, and if approved will receive a PVC plaque with predrilled holes. The commission requests homeowners install these signs on the front of the house where it is visible from the street.
The Rochester Historical Commission views these plaques as essential to keeping the town's history alive. The commission relies on help from the Rochester Historical Society to authenticate both the age and the connection to Rochester history.
The Rochester Historical Commission will review the applications at its scheduled meetings. Any changes will be discussed with owners prior to submission to the sign maker.
