Norwich Historical Commission approves Highland Cemetery's National Register nomination process

The Historical Commission of Norwood convened on June 26, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the Highland Cemetery and the George H. Moss House, as well as a recent family visit that highlighted local heritage.

The meeting began with a review of the ongoing efforts to nominate Highland Cemetery, including Saint Gabriel's Chapel, for the National Register of Historic Places. The commission noted that this initiative dates back to January 2014 when former Board of Selectmen Chairman Bill Glasgow communicated the town's intent to the Massachusetts Historical Commission. However, complications arose due to structural issues with the chapel and subsequent funding challenges. The commission expressed a desire to move forward with the nomination process, emphasizing the need for updated information regarding the cemetery's expansion and the number of veterans interred there.

In addition to the cemetery discussions, the commission addressed the George H. Moss House. They confirmed that the project to initiate work on the house would be led by the Board of Selectmen and the Moss House Committee, following a previous vote to begin research and planning.

The meeting also included reflections on a recent visit by the Guile family, which was well-received by commission members. The visit included a tour of significant sites related to the Guile family, culminating in a luncheon that fostered community connections. Commission members expressed gratitude for the town manager's efforts in organizing the event and discussed the potential for future outreach to local descendants to enhance participation in similar events.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to preserving Norwood's historical sites and fostering community engagement through heritage initiatives. The next steps include finalizing the nomination for Highland Cemetery and coordinating with relevant committees for the Moss House project.