Historical Commission

The purpose of the Historical Commission is to preserve, protect, and develop the historical and archaeological assets of the Town. The Commission may conduct research for places of historic and archaeological value, and shall cooperate with the State Archaeologist in conducting such research. It seeks to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes and may, subject to appropriation and approval by the Town Manager, advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which it deems necessary for its work.

The Historical Commission, for the purpose of protecting and preserving such places may make such recommendations as it deems necessary to the Town Council, and, subject to the approval of the Town Council, to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, that any such place be certified as an historical or archaeological landmark.

The Historical Commission may hold hearings, may recommend to the Town Manager execution of contracts with individuals, organizations and institutions or services furthering the objectives of its program, may recommend to the Town Manager execution of contracts with local or regional associations for cooperative endeavors furthering its program, and may, with the approval of the Town Council, accept gifts, contributions and bequests of funds from individuals, foundations and from federal, state or other governmental bodies for the purpose of furthering its programs. The Commission may recommend to the Town Manager acquisition of property by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise, lease or otherwise a fee or lesser interest in real or personal property of significant historical value and, upon approval by the Town Manager, may be directed to manage the same, may make and execute any agreement and may do and perform any and all acts which may be necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this section. 

The Historical Commission surveys and compiles a listing of all historical sites and buildings within the Town, public and private; determines the functions and structures of all historical organizations within the Town; and holds correlative seminars with historical organizations. It further determines the requirements for repair, reconstruction, and protection of historical landmarks and assists and cooperates with public commissions in the conduct of public historical events. 

The Historical Commission is an advisory committee of the Town.

The Historical Commission consisting of five regular members and two alternate members.

Historical Commission Members

David Moore, Chair - Term Ends 2024

Matthew Casey - Term Ends 2026
Sharon Anderson - Term Ends 2021
Geoffrey Merriman - Term Ends 2024
Vacancy 
Vacancy - Alternate Member
Vacancy - Alternate Member

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