Massachusetts Historical Commission’s
Most Requested Overview

Preservation Awards

Massachusetts enjoys a cultural heritage rich in historic resources. The preservation of these resources has revitalized neighborhoods, added to the revenues of cities and towns, and preserved community character. Preservationists, working to protect our historic assets, have maintained the sense of time and place that forms the essence of our Commonwealth. To honor these outstanding citizens, the Secretary of the Commonwealth hosts the Massachusetts Historical Commission's Annual Preservation Awards Program.

Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund

The Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) is a state-funded 50% reimbursable matching grant program established in 1984 to support the preservation of properties, landscapes, and sites (cultural resources) listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Applicants must be a municipality or nonprofit organization.

Review and Compliance

Review and Compliance Information

Any new construction projects or renovations to existing buildings that require funding, licenses, or permits from any state or federal governmental agencies must be reviewed by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) for impacts to historic and archaeological properties. It is the nature of the federal or state agency involvement that triggers MHC review, not listing in the National or State Registers of Historic Places. A listing in either register does not necessarily require review and likewise, lack of listing does not eliminate the need for review.

Massachusetts Historical Commission Forms

MHC Forms

This category includes the following:

Project Notification Form
Guidence for completing the Project Notification Form
The Americans with Disabilities Act Consultation Process Form
Form A, Area
Form B, Building
Form C, Object
Form E, Burial Ground
Form F, Structure
Form F, Bridge
Form H, Parks and Landscapes
Inventory Continuation Sheet
National Register of Historic Places Criteria Statement Form

The National Register of Historic Places

United States Department of the Interior National Park Service. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the American cultural resources worthy of preservation.

On the Road Program for Local Communities

The "On the Road" program is designed to assist Local Historical Commissions and Local Historic District Commissions. MHC's Director of Local Government Programs is available to visit communities, discuss local historic preservation issues, and offer ways to resolve problems.

Is there funding to fix my Home?

Is there Funding to fix my Home?

Unfortunately there are no specific programs at the state or federal level that provide financial assistance to the owner-occupants of historic homes for their maintenance or restoration.

Massachusetts Historical Commission’s Most Requested Overview