Virtual Workshops

We host virtual workshops on topics important to local Historical and Historic District Commission members and municipal staff. See below for upcoming workshops; new workshops are posted in the spring and fall.

Contact Jenn Doherty, MHC Local Government Programs Coordinator, at Jennifer.Doherty@sec.state.ma.us for more information.

All workshops are recorded. If you cannot attend a workshop live, you can register for the workshop and you will receive a copy of the recording afterwards.

MHC's Survey & Planning Grant Program
Monday, September 9, 1 p.m.

The MHC’s Survey & Planning Grant program offers matching grants for communities and non-profits to undertake historic preservation documentation and planning projects. Most frequent are historic resources survey projects, but other projects include community-wide historic preservation plans, survey plans, design guidelines, and National Register of Historic Places nominations. Learn more about the program and what goes in to a successful application. Register here

The Basics of Online Research for Historic Buildings
Friday, October 18, 10 a.m.

The Internet provides a wide variety of resources to consult when researching an historic building. Learn more about the various sources and how to pull them together to develop a history of buildings in your community. Register here

Determining Historic and Architectural Significance
Tuesday, November 19, 10 a.m.

One of the most basic actions of local historic preservation work is determining what historic resources in a community are significant for their history or architecture. This process is written into many regulations and programs, from local demolition delay review up to the National Register of Historic Places. This workshop will review how to determine historic and architectural significance for historic resources, which can support the prioritization of local preservationists’ efforts and their regulatory work. Register here

Best Practices for Developing a Strong Local Preservation Program
Monday, December 9, 1 p.m.

There are many tools in the local preservationist’s toolbox that can be used to develop a local preservation program. A robust local commission, preservation planning, and regulatory tools are all important to have. In this workshop we’ll review how all of these pieces work together and how local commissions can develop a strong, proactive local preservation program. Register here