The Massachusetts Historical Commission was established in 1963 to identify, evaluate, and protect historic and archaeological sites in Massachusetts. It assists the 351 cities and towns through programs like surveying historic properties, listing on the National Register of Historic Places, providing funding, and advising local historical commissions. The presentation outlined 12 tools for local historic preservation planning available to communities, including local historic districts, demolition delay bylaws, education, and advocacy.

1. Local Historic
Preservation Planning
Presentation to the
Massachusetts Association of
Planning Directors
June 8, 2012

2. The Massachusetts Historical Commission
Established in 1963 to
identify, evaluate and protect
the significant historic and
archaeological assets of the
Commonwealth.
Almost 50
Years Old!

3.  Surveying Historic Properties
 National Register of Historic Places
 State and Federal Reviews
 Massachusetts Preservation
Projects Fund
 Preservation Restrictions
 Archaeology
 Local Government Assistance
The Massachusetts Historical Commission
Responsibilities

4. Director of Local Government
Programs at the Massachusetts
Historical Commission
Assisting all 351 Cities and Towns of Massachusetts in
Community-wide Historic Preservation Planning.
Primarily, the Local Historical Commissions and Historic
District Commissions.

5. Twelve Tools to
Historic
Preservation
Planning

6. 1. LOCAL HISTORICAL COMMISSIONS
AND HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSIONS

7. 2. SURVEYING HISTORIC RESOURCES

8. 3. NATIONAL REGISTER OF
HISTORIC PLACES

9. 4. THE STATE REGISTER OF
HISTORIC PLACES
The State Register of Historic Places is a compendium of historic resources in
Massachusetts including all National Register listings, local historic district
properties and properties with preservation restrictions.
Local Historic
Districts
National
Register
Listings
Preservation
Restrictions

10. 5. PUBLIC EDUCATION

11. 6. ADVOCACY

12. 7. DEMOLITION DELAY BYLAWS

13. 8. LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS

14. 9. FUNDING PROGRAMS

15. 10. PRESERVATION RESTRICTIONS

16. 11. LOCAL NON-PROFIT ADVOCACY
ORGANIZATIONS

17. 12. BEING A PART OF THE PLANNING
PROCESS

18. MHC Publications
Lots of Material from Our
Website or Upon Request

19. Preservation
through Bylaws
and Ordinances