Southborough Historical Commission approves $250 honorarium for MHC speaker

The Town of Southborough Historical Commission voted unanimously at its March 5 meeting to offer Ben Haley of the Massachusetts Historical Commission a $250 honorarium for a lecture scheduled March 15 at the Southborough History and Arts Center at Fayetteville Village Hall.

Annie Fapp moved the payment, specifying the honorarium and the event arrangement; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The chair confirmed that the check will be prepared through the town so it can be presented to Haley at the event.

Commissioners debated the appropriate amount before voting. Chair (speaking as the presiding member) and others said $250 was an appropriate, modest recognition of Haley’s travel and time; Annie Fapp, who made the motion, noted the value of attracting speakers with local relevance. Michelle Hoganson and Dan Blanchard said they supported the higher amount after initial suggestions for a lower sum.

The commission noted the event’s logistics: the free ticketed talk titled "Henry Knox and the Noble Train of Artillery in the Automobile Age" will begin at 2 p.m., seating for the main hall is limited (about 60 seats), and the event page and local publicity contacts were shared with commissioners.

Outcome and next steps: the motion to pay Haley a $250 honorarium passed by roll call (Annie Fapp — yes; Michelle Hoganson — yes; Dan Blanchard — yes; Kelly O’Brien — yes; Chair — aye). The commission directed a member to work with the town to issue the payment so it may be presented at the lecture.