HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-26 20-358 Order
10/26/202020-358
10/26/2020
20-358
Community & Economic Development
Order
042-220
Title, Order
Authorizing the Deaccession of the Estevan Gomez Monument
This Order will authorize the deaccession of the Estevan Gomez Monument in accordance with
recommendations from the Commission on Cultural Development. In 1999, the City of Bangor
accepted a monument from New Bedford, MA commemorating the Portuguese Explorer Estevan
Gomez. The monument is currently displayed on City owned property at 200 Broad Street.
In July, the Penobscot Nation and others brought concerns forward to the City Council stemming
from historical reports that Estevan Gomez abducted Native Americans and attempted to sell them
into slavery. Council Order 20-239 directed The Commission on Cultural Development to consider
deaccession of the monument in accordance with the City's Public Art and Monuments Policy. Their
recommendation was then reviewed and approved by the Business and Economic Development
Committee on October 20, 2020.
If approved, this Order directs that the primary piece of the Gomez Monument, the upper cross, be
removed and displayed at the Bangor Historical Society with appropriate language indicating the
historical and cultural context of multiple viewpoints as to the events of the Gomez expedition. This
Order further directs the removal and destruction of the pedestal and patio as continued display of
the pedestal and patio would be confusing, aesthetically unpleasing, and illogical.
Business & Economic Development Committee
10/20/2020
Recommend for passage
50
New Business
10/26/202020-358
CITY OF BANGOR ORDER
10/26/2020
20-358
Nichols
Authorizing the Deaccession of the Estevan Gomez Monument
WHEREAS, in 1999, the City of Bangor accepted a monument from New Bedford, MA, that commemorates the
Portuguese Explorer Estevan Gomez;
WHEREAS, historical reports indicate that Estevan Gomez abducted Native Americans and attempted to sell
them into slavery;
WHEREAS, the Penobscot Nation and others have expressed concern over the City's display of said monument
at 200 Broad Street;
WHEREAS, the Commission on Cultural Development reviewed this matter pursuant to Section 95-8 of the
City's code of ordinances regarding recommendations on the deaccessioning of monuments; and
WHEREAS, the Commission on Cultural Development has issued a report of their findings recommending the
removal and deaccession of the pedestal and patio area in conjunction with moving the upper cross of the
monument to the Bangor Historical Society along with appropriate contextual signage;
Be it Ordered by the City Council of the City of Bangor that, the primary piece of the Gomez Monument, the
upper cross, be removed and displayed at the Bangor Historical Society with appropriate language indicating
the historical and cultural context of multiple viewpoints as to the events of the Gomez expedition.
Be it Further Ordered that the pedestal and patio of the monument shall be removed and destroyed, as
continued display of the pedestal and patio would be confusing, aesthetically unpleasing, and illogical.
IN CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 26,2020
CO 20-358
Motion made and seconded for Passage
Vote: 9—0
Councilors Voting Yes: Fournier,Hawes,Nichols, Okafor, Schaefer, Sprague, Supica,Tremble,Davitt
Councilors Voting No: None
Passed
CITY CLE