Historical Commission approves moving Hosmer paintings to Wayland conservator for evaluation

SUDBURY -- August 19, 2025, Sudbury Historical Commission accepts private donor's offer to restore Hosmer House paintings. Belchertown resident Judy Roberts told the commission she will commit "plus or minus $5,000" to clean, restore or reframe paintings she selected from boxes stored in the Hosmer House ballroom, including a cat portrait of Florence Hosmer's own cat and two flower studies. Members voted unanimously to transport up to eight works to a Wayland conservator, who charges roughly $300 per painting for on-site evaluation but no fee at her studio. Town Manager Adam had advised against moving collection items absent a written collections management policy, funded at $10,000 by spring town meeting but not yet procured, while writing that "the final decision rests with the historical commission." Chair Christopher Hagger and member Steven Greene led the negotiation; alternate Marjorie Katz volunteered to accompany Greene on the transport. The commission also set its Holiday Open House for Dec. 6 and 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, on a "peace" theme.