Historical Commission Backs Eagle Monument, 4-1
Other Committee · Meeting of October 1, 2026
Worcester Historical Commission splits 4-1 on historic status for a World War II eagle monument linked to a Nazi-sympathizing sculptor. Philip Nyberg of the Swedish National Federation of Worcester asked the panel to designate the Greendale/Norton Eagle Monument locally significant to pursue Community Preservation Act funds for its crumbling base; Chair Erica Helnarski cast the lone dissenting vote after members disclosed sculptor Carl Milles had privately voiced admiration for Nazi Germany in the 1930s. One commissioner argued "we need to consider the sculpture" rather than the artist, and the panel approved the designation under a single "broad patterns of history" criterion.
Elsewhere, commissioners approved a demolition-delay waiver for a 705 Main Street storefront restoration contingent on stripping water-trapping latex paint from historic brick, brokered a compromise at 1 Hancock Street requiring new cedar shingles across the entire front facade of a 1902 house, and continued a Divine Wellness signage dispute at 244 Pleasant Street to October 15 with an extended approval deadline of October 30.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,556 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of October 1, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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