The Norwalk Advocate is reporting that the four Historical Commissioners are … history. Letters were sent to the four that they would not be reappointed.

According to city code, the purpose of the 11-member Historical Commission is to “safeguard the heritage of the city of Norwalk by preserving the elements of its historic, cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history, and to promote the use of historic sites for the education, welfare and pleasure of the citizens of Norwalk and the general public.”

Yet the Historical Commission remain highly critical of things like renting out the Lockwood Mansion Museum. From The Hour:

Several commissioners, however, took aim at board’s policy of renting the mansion. They asked for greater oversight. Carol Ann Falasca said people no longer respect the building, largely because of the rental policy.

“You really need to have people respect that building as they did one time,” Falasca said. “Until you get the respect of that building back, that it is a real museum, you’re not going to get money, even from benefactors.”

Cooke said he is not pleased with renting the mansion. But he added that it brings $61,000 annually — the largest source of funding to heat and light the building. By contrast, the city’s annual contribution is $25,000.

“Absent rentals, we’d have to close the doors,” Cooke said.

Marilyn C. Robinson, commission chairwoman, welcomed the presentation, but asked St. Aubyn and museum board members to keep the Historical Commission abreast of developments, particularly spending.

“I’m not happy with the rapport that goes on between the mansion and the commission,” Robinson said. “It happens every year. Every year we have to be kept apprised of your budget.”

So, it’s more important to criticize the Lockwood Mansion Board for rapport with the commission, and dismay over renting out the mansion, instead of actively working on fund raising, grant obtaining and other creative ways to raise money to preserve, educatie and involve Norwalkers with its history? The Historical Commissoin has failed Norwalk, and with new members, there’s hope that new thinking and a more proactive and supportive ambience will prevail.