During a recent meeting of the Community Preservation Committee in Norwood, Massachusetts, discussions centered on the nomination of Highland Cemetery and the Saint Gabriel Chapel for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The meeting featured members of the Norwood Historical Commission, including Vice Chair Tony Esco, who outlined the significance of the cemetery, which spans approximately 40 acres and contains over 22,000 graves, including those of more than 4,000 veterans.

Esco emphasized the cemetery's historical importance, noting its establishment in 1880 as the town's primary burial ground after Norwood's incorporation in 1872. The cemetery was designed by renowned landscape horticulturist R.T. Woodward and features a chapel built in 1903, designed by the architectural firm Cram, Goodhue, and Ferguson. The chapel is recognized as a rare example of a combined chapel and mausoleum, reflecting the Gothic Revival style.

The committee's request for funding aims to hire a preservation consultant to assist in meeting the rigorous documentation standards set by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Esco highlighted the challenges faced over the past 11 years in completing the nomination process, attributing delays to changes in staff and increasing requirements from the commission.

The National Register of Historic Places serves as an official list of sites deemed worthy of preservation, providing benefits such as eligibility for grants and tax credits for property owners. Esco noted that cemeteries are vital public spaces that connect communities to their past, offering peaceful areas for reflection.

The meeting underscored the importance of Highland Cemetery not only as a burial site but also as a cultural and historical landmark that deserves recognition and preservation. The committee's next steps will involve securing funding and hiring a qualified preservation consultant to advance the nomination process, ensuring that Norwood's rich history is honored and protected for future generations.