Historical Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA SPECIAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION JUNE 22, 2023 MINUTES Present: Deborah Sutherland, Chair, Brian Blalock, Courtney Theis, Danielle Cox, Pamela Gabriel, William Hine, Gibson Hopper. Staff: Kate Miller, Lynnette Lynes Ms. Sutherland called the meeting to order at 8:04 am. I. Approval of Agenda Ms. Cox moved for approval of the agenda. Mr. Hopper seconded the motion. All in favor. II. Approval of May 11, 2023 Meeting Minutes Ms. Cox moved for approval of the minutes. Mr. Blalock seconded the motion. All in favor. III. Public Comment There being no public comment, Ms. Sutherland continued with the agenda. IV. Staff Update Ms. Miller reviewed the staff update with the Commission. V. Presentation and Action on Christ Church Lines text for Liberty Hill Farms, Sign 1 and 2 Ms. Beth Gantt updated the Commission on the draft interpretive signs for Liberty Hill Farms. Ms. Gabriel offered changes to the text for the Wingood marker. The Commission discussed what pictures and maps should be included on the interpretive sign and made recommendations on what additional information should be included on the sign.  Special Historical Commission June 22, 2023 Page 2 of 5 Ms. Gantt reviewed the Christ Church Parish Line sign with the Commission. The Commission provided recommendations on additional information that could be included and formatting suggestions for the sign. The Commission agreed that they would like to see the final versions of the signs for review and approval. VI. Committee Action Items A. Organization and Administration Committee 1. Discussion and Action on Proposed Marker Program Ms. Theis reviewed the changes of the Marker program document with the Commission. Mr. Hopper moved for approval of the Marker Program procedures as presented. Ms. Cox seconded the motion. All in favor. 2. Update and action on budget Ms. Theis reviewed the remaining budget with the Commission. B. Historical Markers and Interpretation Committee Ms. Gabriel reviewed her report with the Commission. 1. Discussion and Action on prioritizing historically Black schools in Mount Pleasant for future historical markers Ms. Miller suggested that the 4 Mile School could be the first marker proposed and could coordinate with Ms. Carla Gregg. Ms. Sutherland suggested that Gregory School could be completed after the 4 Mile School marker. The Commission discussed the Rosenwald School marker and if it could be installed with the permission of the property owner. Ms. Gabriel moved for approval to work on text for the 4 Mile School first. Ms. Cox seconded the motion. All in favor.  Special Historical Commission June 22, 2023 Page 3 of 5 2. Discussion and Action on cleaning historical markers Ms. Miller stated that she received a second quote for cleaning the markers and suggested that a five-year cleaning rotation could be considered. Mr. Hopper moved for approval of the five-year maintenance cleaning schedule as presented. Ms. Cox seconded the motion. All in favor. 3. Discussion on potential Rutledge family tomb identification and park in the Phillip’s Community Mr. Hine reviewed possible options in moving forward with the Rutledge tomb. The Commission discussed how to best move forward with this project and if this is a viable project at this time. The Commission agreed to continue discussion on this issue. C. Special Collection and Research Committee 1. Discussion and action oral history program Mr. Hopper updated the Commission on his efforts in securing individuals for oral history interviews. 2. Discussion and action on the proposed internship program for History Room The Commission discussed the internship program for the next fiscal year. Ms. Miller reviewed the scope of work with the Commission. Mr. Hopper for approval of the scope of work for the internship for the History Room. Ms. Theis seconded the motion. All in favor. D. Tourism and Community Outreach Committee 1. Discuss French/Spanish Invasion update Mr. Blalock updated the Commission on the work for the French- Spanish Invasion project. He stated that most of the sites appear to be in  Special Historical Commission June 22, 2023 Page 4 of 5 the Hobcaw area. He stated that Mr. Bostick is working on drafts of three interpretive signs to bring to the Commission for approval and reviewed proposed locations with the Commission. 2. Discussion and action on QR codes versus NFC labels for historical markers Mr. Blalock reviewed replacement of NFC labels with QR codes with the Commission. He stated that he is in the process of getting quotes for printing and installation of the labels and should have additional information at the next meeting. Ms. Cox moved for deferral of this issue to the next meeting. Ms. Theis seconded the motion. All in favor. E. Marketing Committee Ms. Cox stated that she is coordinating the Quick Fact Fridays with Communications. F. Black History Month Committee—no update VII. Discussion of Next Month’s Agenda Items The Commission agreed for the following items to be on next month’s agenda: ➢ Presentation on Darby Building by Danny Cooks ➢ Presentation and Action on Christ Church Lines text for Liberty Hill Farms, Sign 1 and 2 ➢ Update and action on budget ➢ Discussion on potential Rutledge family tomb identification and park in the Phillip’s Community ➢ Discuss French/Spanish Invasion update ➢ Discussion and action on QR codes versus NFC labels for historical markers ➢ Update on SC250 events ➢ Continued discussion on oral histories  Special Historical Commission June 22, 2023 Page 5 of 5 VIII. Discussion and Tour of Phillip’s Community (meeting at the tomb site) The Commission discussed where to meet for the tour and agreed to meet at 10:30 am. The Commission toured the Phillip’s Community and tomb site. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:14 pm. Submitted by, L. Lynes SpHistComsn06222023