Peter Bondi, new chairman of the Norwalk Historical Commission, says his priority will be maintaining and preserving historic buildings under the commission’s care, including , the buildings at , and the historic cemeteries.
The biggest challenge, Bondi said, “is to get some of the work done on our buildings. That red tape has always been a big challenge. There are leaks in the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, and exterior painting at Mill Hill plus the usual restoration at the cemeteries that need immediate work.”
Bondi replaces David Park. David Westmoreland, who is also the president of the , will serve as the commission's vice chairman. This is a repeat spot for Bondi. Four years ago he served as chairman of the commission before stepping back to serve as vice chair, a post he's held for the past three years.
Building restoration work is not all Bondi hopes to work on this year. He said the Norwalk Museum is currently working on an exhibits at the Norwalk Museum that coves the history of Oystering in Norwalk.
During the late 1800s, Norwalk was known for the Osyter Industry, and the Saddlebrook oyster was world renowned. The pioneering companies that plied Long Island Sound for oysters made their home along Water Street.
Bondi said the exhibit is being prepared now, but by the end of the month an opening will be announced. Also under preparation is the Norwalk Museum’s part of the Norwalk Quilt Trail exhibit.
“The collaboration of all the museums with the quilt exhibit is pretty exciting too,” he said. Bondi plans to continue the collaborative efforts with other museums and exhibits throughout Norwalk. “This is an important growth that has been a long time coming.”
Editor's note: This article has been corrected to say that David Park was formerly the commission chairman.
