I read recently that the Sargent-Roberts house in Bangor has been placed in the National Register of Historic Places. I think it is wonderful when this happens, and that it is important for everyone (especially young people) to see that their community recognizes such buildings and the great value that they have.

Upon reading the criteria for the entry for the Sargent-Roberts house, I began to wonder if the same criteria were used for the “Christmas house” of Brewer. “Documented, evaluated and considered worthy of preservation and protection as part of the nation’s cultural heritage.” It is unfortunate that the Brewer Historical Society and the Maine Historic Preservation Commission overlooked the value of the Christmas house. To doubt what the locals had said about its involvement in the underground railroad; as well as failing to pursue the digging, sent a negative message to people about cultural heritage, more specifically, African-American heritage.

As Americans, we have a responsibility to be culturally aware and remember that this country was once referred to as the melting pot; to include all races and nationalities. Lorraine J. Griffin Liberty