Preservation Massachusetts

Preservation Massachusetts is the statewide historic preservation nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Commonwealth's historic and cultural heritage. Founded in 1985, it operates as an advocate, educator, and resource for individuals, communities, and organizations across Massachusetts. The organization works to protect historic buildings, landscapes, and archaeological sites through advocacy, technical assistance, and public awareness campaigns. It is widely recognized as a leading voice in the preservation movement within New England.

History

The organization was established in 1985, emerging from a growing statewide need for a coordinated advocacy voice beyond local historical commissions. Its formation was influenced by the national preservation movement galvanized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the work of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Early efforts focused on building a membership base and responding to threats to significant resources, such as historic mills in Lowell and Fall River. A key early achievement was advocating for the preservation of the Old City Hall in Boston. Over the decades, it has expanded its role, notably establishing the annual **Most Endangered Historic Resources** list in 1993, modeled on similar programs by the World Monuments Fund.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to protect the Commonwealth's historic and cultural heritage by advocating for preservation policies, providing educational resources, and offering direct assistance. Central to its activities is the annual **Most Endangered Historic Resources** list, which highlights threatened sites across Massachusetts, from industrial complexes in Springfield to coastal landmarks on Cape Cod. The organization actively monitors legislation within the Massachusetts General Court, testifies at hearings, and works with agencies like the Massachusetts Historical Commission. It also engages in public education through workshops, publications, and collaborations with local partners like the Boston Preservation Alliance and Historic New England.

Advocacy and impact

The organization is a prominent advocate at the state and local levels, influencing preservation policy and outcomes. It successfully campaigned for the passage of the **Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit**, a critical financial tool for revitalizing historic buildings across cities like Lawrence and New Bedford. Its advocacy has directly aided the protection of numerous listed sites, including the Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge and the Quabbin Reservoir gatehouses. The organization frequently partners with national entities, including the National Park Service and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, to strengthen preservation standards and secure funding from programs like the Historic Preservation Fund.

Programs and services

It administers several key programs designed to support preservation efforts statewide. The **Most Endangered Historic Resources** program provides targeted advocacy and technical assistance to listed properties. The **Barns Grant Program**, funded through the Massachusetts Cultural Council, offers matching grants for the rehabilitation of historic agricultural structures. Other services include preservation easement monitoring, guidance on navigating the National Register of Historic Places nomination process, and hosting the annual **Preservation Conference**, which brings together professionals from across New England. The organization also maintains extensive online resources and publishes reports on preservation economics and policy.

Organization and leadership

Preservation Massachusetts is governed by a **Board of Directors** composed of preservation professionals, architects, historians, and community leaders from across the Commonwealth. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director and a small staff based in Boston. The organization is funded through membership dues, grants from foundations like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events. It maintains a broad membership base of individuals, historical societies, and business entities, all supporting its mission to safeguard the historic fabric of Massachusetts.

Category:Historic preservation organizations in Massachusetts Category:Organizations based in Boston Category:Non-profit organizations based in Massachusetts Category:Organizations established in 1985