Ayer Historical Commission Weighs Cemetery Takeover and Town Archive Proposals

AYER — April 12, 2021 — Ayer Historical Commission advances Woodlawn Cemetery transfer and digitization plans. The commission, meeting remotely April 12 under COVID-19 emergency provisions, discussed a town warrant article that would authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept a donation of Woodlawn Cemetery from the Woodlawn Association — a step Town Manager Robert described at a recent Selectmen's meeting as the first in a multi-stage due-diligence process potentially stretching into fall. Clerk Ruth Rodimus said cemetery records dating to 1818 could be digitized once the town takes ownership, with IT Director Cindy Knox offering department assistance. Member Maggie Durand proposed applying to the UMass Boston Mass Memories Roadshow, a no-cost community digitization event that would create a permanent online archive of Ayer historical photographs and documents, though a wait of three to four years is likely. Chair George Bacon also reported that a Historic Resources Inventory grant from Massachusetts Historic Commission is underway, with a consultant required on board by the end of July.