Commission prepares PHMC nomination and homeowner outreach for Parker Nichols plaque

Speaker 1 told members they had contacted the state historical office and received a favorable reaction to nominating a plaque to commemorate Parker Nichols. Speaker 1 said the group will send the PHMC FAQs and arrange for a small delegation—including the chair and the member managing the nomination—to meet the homeowner and answer questions before a public event is scheduled.

Speaker 2 explained PHMC provides and maintains the marker in perpetuity, that the local sponsor pays for installation (noted by Speaker 2 as $750), and that PHMC controls plaque wording though it will solicit local comment. Members discussed plaque specifics: two sizes (highway and in-town), a roughly 40-word limit for in-town markers, cast aluminum construction with raised letters and painted finishes, and the importance of inspecting the crate on arrival for textual errors (Speaker 2 said the crate weighs about 275 pounds). Speaker 2 also said all markers are made by CWA Studios (Ohio). Members agreed to prepare mock-ups or show examples and to avoid scheduling a dedication ceremony until the physical marker is in hand.

Next steps recorded in the discussion: send PHMC FAQs to the homeowner, arrange an in-person meeting with the homeowner before finalizing wording, plan a small delegation to attend, and inspect the marker at receipt for any typographical errors before any public event is scheduled.