Historical Commission — September 8, 2026

The Fairhaven Historical Commission met on September 8, 2026, to conduct regular business, review property updates, and discuss historic preservation projects. Consultant Chris Kelly attended in person to present progress on the comprehensive townwide historic property survey, discussing the integration of assessor records, the inclusion of twentieth-century resources, neighborhood boundaries, and the possible use of area survey forms for locations like West Island and local shipyards. Following discussion on monthly utility bills, the commission approved payment of vouchers totaling $422.25, while debating methods to reduce electrical costs at Fort Phoenix.

The commission addressed several maintenance and capital project matters across town-owned historic properties. Members voted to authorize up to $100 for downspout extensions to address moisture and foundation drainage issues at the Fairhaven Academy building. Additionally, the commission voted to formally submit a Community Preservation Act (CPC) application to fund the cleaning, stabilization, and restoration of an HMS Nimrod cannon recovered from Buzzards Bay, which had been stabilized after years of chemical immersion and is currently stored at NEMI.

Controversy arose regarding historic concrete orbs originating from Fairhaven High School that had been removed from the Academy grounds without authorization and placed near Route 6 and Main Street by the Green Lanterns volunteer group. Following debate over safety, precedent, and property custody, the commission voted 5-2 to request the orbs be returned to the Academy building. In other business, the commission approved a letter recognizing the historical significance of the Tabor Masonic Lodge building, reviewed national historic register listings for the Open Space and Recreation Plan update, and voted to reschedule their October meeting to October 13, 2026, to avoid conflicting with Select Board reappointments.

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