North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce leads effort to install welcome sign in Lancaster

Sign provides recognition of civic pride for residents and visitors alike

FITCHBURG, Mass.—Sept. 2, 2026—The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced it sponsored the construction of a new welcome sign in the Town of Lancaster located at the Bartlett Conservation Area at the intersection of Route 117 and Route 190.

The new sign is part of a project to construct welcome signs at key gateways in the region to boost civic pride and serve as a positive first impression for visitors.

The signs were designed and produced by Add-A-Sign in Leominster and represent the region’s traditional New England style. The Lancaster welcome sign includes the Town of Lancaster’s seal and is painted in the town’s color of maroon.

“One North Central, our regional economic development plan, is about strengthening the sense of place that makes people want to live, work, and visit here,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This sign is a small but meaningful way to celebrate Lancaster’s identity and give visitors a warm welcome as they arrive.”

“This new welcome sign is more than a marker at the entrance to our community,” said Town Administrator John Woodsmall. “It reflects the pride we have in our town and the warm welcome we want to extend to residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We’re pleased to see this project completed and grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce for helping to bring it to life.”

In addition to Lancaster, similar welcome signs have been installed at key gateways in Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hubbardston, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Sterling and Westminster. Each sign is carved with the community’s seal and painted to match their official colors. Additional signs will be constructed for other communities in North Central Massachusetts as funding becomes available.