Stephanie Long
(6/19) On June 15, long-time Thurmont
resident George Wireman was bestowed the honor
of being named Thurmont’s official Town
Conductor and Historian.
“It was quite a surprise,” Wireman said.
The event occurred at Thurmont’s first
official summer concert which Wireman himself
has been putting together since 1987 until he
gave up the job last year. Wireman took the
reins of the brass band himself, conduction
the Spires Brass Band during the concert.
In addition to his interest in music,
Wireman is an avid historian and has been for
quite some time.
“Ever since I got out of high school, I
became interested in history,” Wireman said.
Since then Wireman has immersed himself in
local history and even published a book, in
1969, “Gateway to the Mountains”, about the
history of the Thurmont. Wireman said he had
always “been considered the town historian”
but guessed that the town wanted to “make it
official”. Although Wireman has a new title to
go along with his passion for history, he
isn’t going to slow down.
“I’m never giving up on that [history].
It’s very fascinating,” Wireman said, adding
that he wants to continue to dig for
interesting facts because “it’s important to
pass on the information.”
In addition to being bestowed with the two
titles and plaques, local artist Rebecca Pearl
painted a painting of Memorial Park that Mayor
Martin Burns presented to Wireman at the
concert.
