Staff photo / R. Michael Semple A historical plaque along East Broad Street in downtown Newton Falls.

NEWTON FALLS — Newton Falls village has installed two official Downtown Historic District boundary signs marking the completion of a multi-year effort to secure the district’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

Local businessman and project advocate Tom Colosimo, who was among those who worked to get the historic district designation, said the permanent signs are positioned at key entry points on either side of the designated historic district.

He said the designation obtained last summer follows a three-year preservation initiative led locally to recognize and protect the historic and architectural significance of downtown Newton Falls.

“This milestone represents years of work to preserve the identity and history of our downtown. The installation of these markers formally establishes the district and reinforces its importance to the community,” said Colosimo, owner of Fieldview Acres Mercantile, which is located in the historic business district.

He said the project also carries additional local significance.

“The signage was produced by a veteran-owned company, and AMVETS Post 112 contributed funding support to help bring the project to completion,” Colosimo said.

The signs were installed by the village’s street department.

Mayor David Hanson, whose office is near one of the signs, is sure the signs will generate interest from those visiting the community.

“The signs are beautiful,” Hanson said. “We are officially a historic district.”

“I hope this gets more people to come here and stop and see what Newton Falls has. I am glad it is finally done,” Colosimo said.

Colosimo said people traveling either direction on Broad Street can’t miss them.

One sign is near the Newton Falls Christian Church and the Statue of Liberty replica at Center Street, and the other is near the water tower and across the street from McDonald’s.

He said the sign includes an image of the village’s downtown business area from the 1800s.

Village council members have said the designation helps show that Newton Falls is unique, with the many varied businesses and landmarks in the historic district.

“This shows that Newton Falls does have history and that we’re actually preserving that history,” said Colosimo.