The work products of inmates in the Putnam County jail are on display around the county, although most people won’t have a clue as to who prepared them. Putnam County Historian Jennifer Cassidy and County Corrections Officer Matt Amato led a project to have historic markers around Putnam restored by participants in the County Jail’s Community Work Program.
Putnam County plays host to more than 200 historic markers and memorials. Since 2020, more than 30 of them have been temporarily removed, sandblasted, painted and replaced.
“The restoration of these historic markers is a significant contribution to preserving our county”™s rich history,” said Cassidy. “I can”™t thank Corrections Officer Amato and his team enough for their participation in helping to educate the public. I”™m grateful for their dedication and for the community”™s generous donations to help subsidize the projects.”
“The markers are a great point of pride for Putnam County that not only educate residents, but also promote heritage tourism,” said Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne.
The Community Work Program”™s marker restoration initiative has a bit of a history. It was originally overseen by Corrections Officer James “Jimmy” See, but was dropped in 2014 when See died. Amato approached the Historian”™s Office with a proposal to restart the program. The program is designed to give inmates a sense of purpose as well as adding to the beautification of the county.
County Sheriff Kevin McConville praised Amato and the other corrections officers who help out with the Community Work Program. He said there should be more efforts like it.
