Historical Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 MINUTES Present: Courtney Theis, Vice-chair, Brian Blalock, Courtney Theis, Danielle Cox, Pamela Gabriel, William Hine, Gibson Hopper (arrived at 8:04 am) Absent: Deborah Sutherland, Chair Staff: Kate Miller, Lynnette Lynes Ms. Theis called the meeting to order at 8:02 am. I. Approval of Agenda Ms. Cox moved for approval of the agenda. Mr. Blalock seconded the motion. All in favor. II. Approval of July 13, 2023 Meeting Minutes Ms. Cox moved for approval of the minutes. Mr. Blalock seconded the motion. All in favor. III. Public Comment Ms. Janet Newham, 510 Pitt St, spoke regarding the proposed project for Edwards Park and suggested that it is not in keeping with the historic area. She reviewed the history of Edwards Park with the Commission. She suggested that including a dog park is not in keeping with this area that is on the national register of historical places. She also would like a historical marker at Edwards Park and to have additional recognition from the national register of historic places. Mr. Hopper entered at this time (8:04 am). Ms. Jane Farrell, 484 Brookhaven Court, stated that she has recently become aware of her grandfather’s history, and she has donated a collection of his photos. Ms. Julie Allison, 500 Pitt Street asked that discussion of Edwards Park be included on next month’s agenda. There being no further comments, Ms. Theis continued with the agenda.  Historical Commission September 14, 2023 Page 2 of 5 IV. Staff Update Ms. Miller reviewed the staff update with the Commission. V. Discuss Wording for 911 Memorial Plaque Ms. Miller stated that this was project was begun prior to the implementation of the Memorials and Monument procedures being put in place and therefore, would not need approval. She reviewed the proposed plaque with the Commission. The Commission reviewed the proposed project and suggested changes to the text. They suggested that an explanation be included for “let’s roll” so there is better context of the meaning of the phrase. VI. Presentation and Action on Christ Church Lines text for Liberty Hill Farms Ms. Miller reviewed the draft signage with the Commission. The Commission reviewed the signage and recommended changes. The Commission agreed that the recommended changes should be completed and the revised signage come back to the Commission for approval. VII. Committee Action Items A. Organization and Administration Committee 1. Review Accomplishments Ms. Theis reviewed the accomplishments for the previous year with the Commission. 2. Discussion and Actions on Committee Assignments Ms. Theis reviewed the current assignments with the Commission with merging the Tourism and Marketing Committee together to be the Tourism, Marketing, and Community Outreach Committee.  Historical Commission September 14, 2023 Page 3 of 5 Ms. Theis moved for approval to combine Tourism and Marketing Committee with Community Outreach Committee to be renamed the Tourism, Marketing, and Community Outreach Committee. Ms. Cox seconded the motion. All in favor. 3. Update and action on budget Ms. Theis reviewed the proposed budget with the Commission. The Commission discussed new projects to be included in the budget and what new projects could be included such as: ➢ Oral history consultant at approximately $225 for each oral history completed. Mr. Hopper moved for approval of the budget as presented. Ms. Theis seconded the motion. All in favor. B. Historical Markers and Interpretation Committee Ms. Gabriel reviewed her report with the Commission. The Commission discussed the historic community schools marker project. Ms. Miller suggested that research be conducted to determine exact locations of the schools as well as additional information on the schools that can be used in formulating the marker text. The Commission agreed not to move forward with hiring someone to complete research at this time as information might be readily available. 1. Discussion and possible action on potential Rutledge family tomb identification and park in the Phillip’s Community Mr. Hine updated the Commission on the progress with the Rutledge tomb and park in the Phillip’s community. He suggested that the purchase of the property would not be completed until the beginning of 2024 at the earliest.  Historical Commission September 14, 2023 Page 4 of 5 The Commission discussed the project and what signage might be appropriate. Ms. Miller stated that the correction to the Phillips Community marker was approved last fiscal year. The Commission agreed that this would be tabled until more progress is made. C. Special Collection and Research Committee 1. Continued discussion on oral histories Mr. Hopper stated that he has scheduled a meeting with Ms. Susannah Smith-Myles to schedule the interview and get recommendations on others to contact to interview. He stated that he is working on scheduling interviews for Mr. Palmer and Ms. Woods-Flowers as well. The Commission offered recommendations for people to contact for interviews including those involved with the shrimping industry. D. Tourism and Community Outreach Committee 1. Discussion and possible action on French/Spanish Invasion project Mr. Blalock stated that Mr. Bostick has provided research information and is working on the draft interpretative signage. He suggested that having Mr. Bostick give a presentation on this project would be beneficial. Mr. Blalock moved for approval of a large interpretative sign and presentation up to $2,500 for French/Spanish invasion project. Ms. Cox seconded the motion. All in favor. The Commission discussed placement of the markers and interpretative sign for the tour. 2. Discussion on Cresco Award The Commission discussed possible candidates for the Cresco Award and stated that all submissions should be submitted two days prior to the October meeting.  Historical Commission September 14, 2023 Page 5 of 5 3. Update on SC250 events Mr. Blalock stated that SC250 is looking for suggestions on events that can be included. He stated that these events are being held over the next few years. The Commission agreed to bring back ideas for inclusion for the next meeting. E. Marketing Committee Ms. Cox stated that the Quick Fact Friday and twitter postings have been focused on the Cresco Award. The Commission agreed to inquire about having a Historical Commission account on Next Door. F. Black History Month Committee Mr. Hine reviewed the proposed events with the Commission. VIII. Discussion of Next Month’s Agenda Items The Commission agreed to include the following items to next month’s agenda: ➢ Discussion on historic community school markers ➢ Discussion and possible action on Wingood signage ➢ Discussion on Edwards Park project and historical designation ➢ Update and action on budget ➢ Continued discussion on oral histories ➢ Discussion and possible action on French/Spanish invasion project ➢ Discussion and possible action on Cresco Award ➢ Discussion and possible action on SC250 events ➢ Discussion of Jennie Moore marker unveiling There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:44 am. Submitted by, L. Lynes HistComsn09142023