[MassHistPres] Historic Plaques

[Jonathan Feist]

> Perhaps you (an historical commission? of course!) and your neighbors
> are conscious of the history of your houses and appreciate this
> information.  I think many are simply NOT that aware of their house's
> history -- much less the history of their neighborhood -- and the
> process of having a sign approved makes sure they get themselves a
> bit educated.

These are good points.

I live in a fairly odd place: Harvard Shaker Village. It's a small, isolated
area, and everyone here has extensive knowledge of and appreciation for
their house. Seriously, most people have lived here between 30 and 50 years
(some longer), and a couple have had the houses in their families for
generations. So, there's a culture here about being understated.

Several neighbors have had the experience of strangers demanding to be let
in, convinced that the houses were museums open to the public. There are
constantly people walking by, staring.

It's an odd culture, and I can understand that other places would feel
differently.

--Jonathan