The Brooks Academy Museum Commission is weighing a $10,000 proposal to transform the building’s north slope into a tiered outdoor performance venue, potentially funded by a long-standing historical endowment. Commission member Paul presented architectural renderings for the "Bethia Payne Theater," a grounds improvement project designed to host historical seminars, children's plays, and community lectures. The plan features three rows of staggered seating using 12-foot pine planks carved into the natural hillside, providing space for up to 35 attendees while maintaining a flat area at the summit for wheelchair access.

Paul noted that the project could be supported by a small fraction of the roughly $620,000 Bethia Payne endowment. If the society felt as though maybe it would be appropriate to give Bethia Payne's name to the theater, maybe we would be able to use some Bethia Payne funds to help support the construction, he suggested, adding that he envisions the space as a very much a public town area.

The proposal sparked a debate on aesthetics and soundproofing that mirrors a growing town-wide emphasis on native landscaping and "neighborhood firewalls." While Paul initially considered a stockade fence to block road noise, commission members and the public pushed for a more natural solution. One audience member suggested that installing native cedars would provide a soft dark green barrier that would absorb sound more effectively than a fence. The suggestion aligns with recent mandates from the Harwich Conservation Commission, which has increasingly required native species to mitigate environmental and visual impacts. Chair Bob Dickerson expressed strong support for the shift, stating, I love the idea of the cedars. I hate stockade fences, honestly. I think this is an exciting idea.

Beyond aesthetics, member Lynn raised practical concerns regarding the logistics of managing a new public venue. Where is that equipment going to get stored? Scheduling—who's going to be responsible for all of that? she asked, noting that the Historical Society would likely have similar questions before the project moves forward. To keep costs low, Dickerson suggested exploring labor partnerships with the local technical school for the construction of the stage and seating.

While the theater project looks to the future of the grounds, the museum building itself remains in the midst of a complex renovation. Sean, Deputy Director of the DPW, informed the commission that the long pole in the tent for the interior project continues to be the installation of a Lula lift. The elevator requires significant internal restructuring, including the relocation of doors, septic pipes, and electrical lines within the basement. All the reports from the specialties are coming in as well, which is the hazardous materials inspections they've done, Sean reported, noting that lead paint and asbestos remediation will be required. The current target for project completion is June 2027.

The DPW is also navigating historical preservation nuances regarding the building’s exterior. Sean noted that architectural drawings from the 1800s suggest the original columns had different crowns and bases than those currently standing. The crown was changed at some point in time, and the base was added on, I'm assuming because of rot, Sean said. He promised to bring refined drawings to the commission before making a final decision on whether to return the columns to their 19th-century appearance.

In administrative business, the commission welcomed Diane, who currently serves as secretary, as she awaits a formal interview with the town to become a full voting member. Motion Made by Lynn to approve the minutes of December 10th. Motion Passed (3-0-0). The commission deferred the review of the annual town report until its next session.