Massachusetts Historical Commission
September 24, 2018
OCTOBER IS ARCHAEOLOGY MONTH
Massachusetts Archaeology Month is a month-long celebration of archaeology in Massachusetts and around the world. Museums, libraries, archaeologists, and many more people and institutions join Secretary Galvin and the State Archaeologist in hosting exhibits, lectures, walks, and events for adults, children, and teachers. The electronic version of the 2018 calendar is currently online and can also be used as a guide to places that host events throughout the year.?? For more information, visit http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcarch/archmonthintro.htm.
WORKSHOP ON THE BENEFITS OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION:
Economic, Environmental, Educational and Emotional
While the benefits may be all around us, effectively advocating a preservation approach can be challenging.?? This can be particularly true at the local level, with its varied interest groups, constituents, goals and agendas.?? With quotes in hand from the surgeon general, economists, the American Psychological Association as well as others, this session will describe what historic preservation offers, regardless of affinity, and how to articulate the benefits of preservation to those that would never call themselves a preservationist.?? This workshop was most recently offered at the statewide historic preservation conference in Lowell during September, 2017.?? This time it will be offered November 2, 2018 at 10 am in Worcester, MA.?? For more information, contact Christopher.skelly@state.ma.us. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-benefits-of-historic-preservation-economic-environmental-educational-and-emotional-tickets-50560384471?? Cosponsored with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, Montachusett Regional Planning Commission and Preservation Massachusetts.??
MINIMUM MAINTENANCE BYLAWS AND ORDINANCES WORKSHOP
Minimum Maintenance Bylaws and Ordinances (also known as demolition by neglect bylaws and ordinances) are utilized by municipalities to require a basic level of maintenance on buildings and structures.?? For historic properties suffering from demolition by neglect, this type of local regulation can help prevent the deterioration of the building before the only option is demolition.?? The city of Lowell and the Lowell Historic Board have extensive experience administering their minimum maintenance ordinance.?? At this workshop, we will discuss the benefits and challenges of minimum maintenance bylaws and ordinances as well as other options for dealing with demolition by neglect.?? This workshop will be held at the Lowell National Historic Park Visitors Center on November 8, 2018 at 10am.?? Cosponsored with the Lowell National Historic Park and Lowell Historic Board.?? For more information, contact Christopher.skelly@state.ma.us.?? To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minimum-maintenance-bylaws-and-ordinances-tickets-50560182868
Conference on the Struggles and Successes of Historic Redevelopment
The Massachusetts Economic Development Council is hosting this program to discuss the challenges and successes of historic redevelopment of unique historic buildings including churches and other municipal buildings.???? It will be held Thursday, November 1, 2018 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm in Springfield, MA.?? More information will follow as the agenda is finalized.??
MASSACHUSETTS DOWNTOWN SUMMIT
The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI) are hosting a 2018 Massachusetts Downtown Summit featuring speakers and interactive sessions focused on capacity and knowledge building to empower municipalities to invest strategically in their downtown districts.?? The summit will be held Monday, October 1, 2018 in Lowell, MA.?? For more information, visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/2018-ma-downtown-summit
CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND DATES TO REMEMBER
October 1, 2018
Massachusetts Downtown Summit.?? Lowell, MA.?? For more information, see above.??
November 1, 2018
Conference on the Struggles and Successes of Historic Redevelopment. Springfield, MA.
For more information, see above.??
November 2, 2018
Workshop on the Benefits of Historic Preservation.?? Worcester, MA.?? For more information, see above.??
November 8, 2018
Workshop on Minimum Maintenance Bylaws and Ordinances.?? Lowell, MA. For more information, see above.??