(a) The department may provide an appropriate plaque or marker at a cost, to be determined by the department, to the recipient for attachment to an historic structure or landmark identifying it as a Connecticut historical landmark within the criteria adopted by the department and as identified through the state register of historic places, if the owner agrees to display such plaque or marker in a manner satisfactory to the department. Any such plaque or marker may be repossessed by the department if the historic structure or landmark is not maintained in a manner satisfactory to the department.

(b) The Department of Economic and Community Development, in consultation with the Amistad Committee, Inc., New Haven, shall establish a Freedom Trail and a program to recognize, document and mark sites in this state that are associated with the history and movement towards freedom of its African-American citizens, the Underground Railroad and the abolition of slavery. The department and the Amistad Committee, Incorporated, of New Haven shall designate and mark the sites of the Freedom Trail. The Amistad Committee, Inc., of New Haven shall be responsible for the coordination and organization of the “September Freedom Trail Month”. The department shall establish a program to publicize the existence of the Freedom Trail and shall publish a brochure which indicates the location and history of the sites.