The Signs Are All Around Us

Did you ever notice the metal markers posted along Massachusetts roads describing a historical event or place? Have you stopped to read them? Or wondered how they came to be?

The signs were placed along roads throughout Massachusetts in 1930 to commemorate the Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary. Each gives a short description of events at the marked location, including past conflicts and wars. Some members of the community view the language and depictions of Indigenous people and events on these signs as antiquated and inappropriate or question their value on the local landscape.

To further explore modern-day concerns about these markers, Athina is sponsoring a forum to solicit community feedback.

The format will be a moderated discussion by a panel composed of representatives of the Indigenous community and representatives of local organizations, including:

• Andre Strongbearheart Gaines, Jr., Nipmuc Citizen, No Loose Braids Creative Director

• Rev. Kathleen Hepler, First Parish Minister

• Jan Hardenbergh, Sudbury Town Historian

• Debbie Howell, Sudbury for Racial and Social Justice representative

• Rachael Robinson, Sudbury Historical Society Executive Director

The panel discussion will be followed by small group conversations around broader questions of how signs and memorials on the landscape impact our view of historical events. All attendees are invited to participate in the small group session.