Massachusetts Historical Commission

Massachusetts Historical Commission. Established in 1963, it is the primary state agency for historic preservation and serves as the State Historic Preservation Office for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The commission identifies, evaluates, and protects significant historical and archaeological resources across the state, working in partnership with federal agencies like the National Park Service and local historical commissions. Its work is guided by both state statutes and federal laws, including the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

History

The agency was created by an act of the Massachusetts General Court in 1963, a period of growing national awareness about preserving cultural heritage, which would soon be codified federally with the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Its formation was influenced by earlier preservation efforts in the state, such as those by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (now Historic New England) and advocacy surrounding sites like the Old South Meeting House. Initially focused on surveying historical assets, its role expanded significantly with the 1966 federal act, which designated it as the official State Historic Preservation Office, granting it responsibilities for administering federal programs. Key early projects included the initial inventory of the Blackstone River Valley and efforts to document architecture in cities like Salem and New Bedford.

Mission and responsibilities

The core mission is to protect the historical and archaeological resources of the Commonwealth. A primary statutory responsibility is maintaining the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places and nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places. The agency is responsible for conducting archaeological surveys and environmental reviews under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which affects projects involving federal agencies like the Federal Highway Administration or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It also administers the state's Archaeological Resources Act and provides technical guidance to municipalities, planning agencies like the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and developers. The State Historic Preservation Officer, who leads the commission, certifies federal rehabilitation tax credits for projects such as the adaptive reuse of historic mills in Lowell or Fall River.

Programs and services

The agency operates several key programs to fulfill its mission. The Survey and Planning Grant program provides federal funding from the National Park Service to municipalities and non-profits like the Trustees of Reservations for inventorying historic resources. It administers the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund, a state-funded matching grant program for restoration projects at significant properties, which has supported work at sites ranging from the Old State House to rural Congregational churches. The commission's Massachusetts Historical Commission Inventory is a comprehensive database of known historical and archaeological sites. Additional services include reviewing projects for compliance with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, providing consultation for municipal preservation efforts, and offering public education through workshops and publications.

Governance and structure

The commission is governed by a seventeen-member body appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts, including representatives from organizations such as the Bostonian Society, the American Institute of Architects, and the Massachusetts Archaeological Society, along with several state officials. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff, including historians, archaeologists, and architectural historians, operating under the direction of the State Historic Preservation Officer. The agency is formally housed within the office of the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. It works closely with other state entities like the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, as well as with federal partners including the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Notable projects and initiatives

The commission has played a critical role in numerous high-profile preservation efforts across the state. It was instrumental in the documentation and nomination of large historic districts, such as the Nantucket Historic District and the Beacon Hill Historic District. The agency provided essential survey and planning support for the creation of the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. Its review and tax credit certification programs have facilitated major rehabilitation projects, including the transformation of the former Simpson Paper Company complex in Lee and the revitalization of historic mill buildings in Holyoke. Notable archaeological initiatives include investigations at the Plimoth Patuxet site and the Boston Harbor Islands, contributing to the understanding of early Pilgrim settlements and Native American history.

Category:Massachusetts state agencies Category:Historic preservation organizations in Massachusetts Category:Organizations based in Boston Category:1963 establishments in Massachusetts