Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Office Programs

MHC’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administers several programs created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA). These programs add value and benefit to nearly every community and county in Massachusetts.

Below are summaries of the MHC’s SHPO programs. For more information, contact MHC staff at 617-727-8470 or by email at sec-dl-mhcweb@sec.state.ma.us.

State Historic and Archaeological Sites Records Management

The Massachusetts SHPO is the state repository for documentation of all recorded historic and archaeological sites in Massachusetts.

The Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth provides information to researchers and agencies for preservation planning, local planning efforts, academic research, regulatory compliance, and property evaluation for the National Register of Historic Places. The State Archaeologist maintains the Inventory of Archaeological Sites and Specimens.

The Certified Local Government Program

The Certified Local Government Program is a voluntary partnership program, linking the Massachusetts SHPO with city/town historic preservation commissions established by local ordinance. Each year, the SHPO distributes 10% of its Federal Historic Preservation Fund allocation to CLGs as matching grants. It may also pass additional funds through annual Survey and Planning grants, as budgetary considerations allow.

Currently, over $115,000 reaches CLG municipalities each year, helping them pursue their own preservation priorities. Massachusetts has 29 cities and towns designated as CLGs.