Commemorative & Building Plaques: A Guide for Councils, Schools and Historical Societies
The short answer: a commemorative plaque names what is being marked, who marked it and when, in that order, followed by the organisation. Settle the wording and the official's exact title first, then choose a material that suits the setting: 316 stainless steel or anodised aluminium for modern buildings and outdoors, or an embossed plaque for a traditional, cast look.
Plaques in the Hunter
The Hunter has a long tradition of marking its history. In 2022 Caroline Chisholm Cottage in East Maitland became home to the first plaque installed under the NSW Blue Plaques program, which celebrates people and events from the state's past. Schools, councils, clubs and historical societies across Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Newcastle mark openings, anniversaries and local stories in the same spirit.
Types of commemorative plaque
- Building opening: names the building, the person who officially opened it and the date.
- Foundation stone: marks the laying of the first stone, usually set into the stone itself.
- Dedication: for trees, benches, gardens and rooms named after someone.
- Donor or sponsor: thanks the people and businesses who made a project possible. Donor boards can grow with matching plates added later.
- Heritage story: a longer panel telling the history of a place, sometimes with a photo or map.
Getting the wording right
- Write the official's title exactly as their office gives it, for example "The Hon.", "Cr" or "Mayor of". Check it before the proof is approved.
- Use the date of the ceremony, not the date the plaque was ordered.
- Keep it short. Visitors read a few lines, not a paragraph. Heritage panels are the exception.
- Have one person sign off the final proof, so late changes don't slip through.
Plaque wording generator
Choose the plaque type and fill in the details. The wording comes out in the usual order, ready to edit.
Choosing the material
- 316 stainless steel: laser engraved, suits indoors and out, and can carry crests, photos and maps. See our commemorative plaques.
- Black anodised aluminium: crisp silver text on black, popular for building openings.
- Embossed plaques: raised lettering on a textured background for a traditional cast look. See embossed plaques.
- Brass: a classic finish for heritage settings. See brass plaques.
Plan around your opening date
Openings run to a fixed date, so start early. Allow time to confirm the wording, approve a proof and fix the plaque before the ceremony. Tell us your date when you ask for a quote and we'll tell you if it's tight.
Questions we often get
What size should a building plaque be?
It depends on the wording and where it's going. Send us the wording and a photo of the wall and we'll suggest a size.
Can you add our logo or crest?
Yes. Send it as a vector file if you have one. A clear image is fine too, and we'll redraw it.
Can you match existing plaques?
Yes. Send a photo and the measurements of the plaques you already have.
Ready to talk about your job? Send us the details below, call 02 4030 5878 or email office@planetengraving.net.
