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Health & Fitness

Lawmakers laud local historians

At a statewide Historic Preservation Conference last week in Lexington, the town’s legislative delegation -- State Sen. Ken Donnelly, State Rep. Jay Kaufman and State Sen. Mike Barrett -- welcomed preservation groups and historical societies to the community and lauded their contributions to history research.

After the Minutemen Company, dressed in Revolutionary garb, played the national anthem, Lexington resident and member of the conference’s Executive Committee Marilyn Fenollosa received an ovation for her efforts organizing the event.  Lexington Selectman Hank Manz then welcomed the packed hall and introduced the lawmakers.

“Lexington is a perfect example of why protecting and improving historic sites is a good investment for our communities and our economies,” says Donnelly (D-Arlington).  “The restoration and repurposing of buildings has created jobs and developed opportunities for affordable housing while maintaining the integrity and beauty of Lexington’s history.”

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Conference attendees included members of local historical societies and preservation advocates, as well as students and professors from colleges across the state.  Throughout the day, attendees took seminars on topics ranging from extending the life of historic sites to the latest in 3-D laser-scanning and ground-penetrating radar.

“It’s especially important for us in Lexington to acknowledge and preserve our rich historical legacy. Historic preservation brings us so many tangible benefits today, from bolstering tourism, to preserving our historic buildings, to job creation and affordable housing.  This history serves as the foundation for our strong future,” says Kaufman (D-Lexington).

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“In my district there’s a deep interest in preserving and making accessible the wealth of history surrounding us,” Barrett says.  “We need to make sure this enthusiasm is matched by adequate financing, not only by private donors and non-profits but by decent state funding.”

Conference-goers toured the ongoing renovation of Lexington’s Buckman Tavern, a pub in which colonials waited for British troops in April, 1775.  Barrett, Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, Families and Disabilities, commended renovators for installing a wheelchair lift to the second floor.  Improving handicapped access to historic sites is an interest of Barrett’s.

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