Residents Urge State Commissioner to Leave Concord Historical Marker

The two civil libertarians who petitioned for a historical marker in Concord to mark the birthplace of labor activists Elizabeth Gurley Flynn wrote to state officials Thursday urging them to reject calls for the placard’s removal.

Gurley Flynn was a significant historical figure in the state and country and was much more than a Communist, they argued, which is what sparked criticism after the green marker was unveiled last week.

Removing the marker would go against the policies outlined by the Division of Historical Resources, which says they will be taken down if they contain errors, are in a state of disrepair or require refurbishment, none of which apply to the marker that was installed on May 1.