Ayer Historical Commission backs new member, advances state inventory grant bid

AYER — November 18, 2020 — Ayer Historical Commission recommends a history graduate student for membership and advances a state inventory grant application covering more than 50 sites. The three-member commission — Chair George Bacon, Vice Chair Barry Shorzell, and member Ruth Bonimus-Curk — voted 3-0 to forward Margaret "Maggie" Durand's application to the Select Board, with a December appointment vote expected. Durand, a lifelong Ayer resident pursuing a graduate degree in history and archives, said she found the vacancy while searching for a local historical society. Bacon reported submitting a pre-application for a Massachusetts Historic inventory grant covering roughly 52 sites from the prior Sanford Report list plus additional downtown area surveys, with a final application due in February if the pre-application clears the first cut; the project must reach a $25,000 minimum cost threshold. The commission also received updates on Sandy Pond Schoolhouse phase two funding — covering accessible restrooms, window restoration, and HVAC — approved at the fall town meeting.