[MassHistPres] Name Change

[Matthew B. Bronski]

My understanding of the distinction between "historic" and "historical"
is quite different than that previously stated.   

When modifying a noun (whether a building, event, object, or whatever),
that is itself historic (has significance in history) one uses the
adjective "historic."  Hence, the common and proper use of the term
"Historic District Commission" - the adjective "historic" modifies the
noun district, and the district is in and of itself historic.

When modifying a noun that is NOT in and of itself historic, but which
relates to things historic, one uses the adjective "historical".  Hence,
the common and proper use of the term "Historical Commission" - the noun
"Commission" (e.g., the group of people currently serving) is not in and
of itself historic, but the Commission relates to things historic (it
oversees and protects them, etc.)  Hence "historical" is the proper
adjective in "Historical Commission".  

Consequently, it's not really possible to set strict rules saying that
certain nouns (buildings, objects, etc.) are always either "historic" or
'historical".  

For example, while the vast majority of buildings we might deal with on
our Commissions are "historic" rather than "historical", a very recent
reconstruction of a demolished historic building would not be "historic"
at all, but is arguably "historical", as it relates to something
historic.  Similarly, with objects, an original Gutenberg Bible is an
"historic" object (book), while a recent novel set against the backdrop
of significant events in history is often termed an "historical" novel
in the literary trades.   "Historic" would not be appropriate in the
latter case, because the object (book) itself is not historic, it only
relates to something historic (through the subject matter).

-Matthew Bronski, 
Winchester Historical Commission &
Boston Society of Architects Historic Resources Committee

-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Jill Fisher
Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2007 3:43 PM
To: KristiChase at post.harvard.edu; cmcarl at mindspring.com;
sw.pelton at verizon.net
Cc: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Name Change

Just a reminder:  "Historic" is used in reference to buildings,
structures, 
objects & "Historical" used for persons and events.  In which case, I 
believe Historic is more appropriate for commissions that are dealing 
primarily with the preservation of buildings.

Jill Fisher, AICP
Principal Planner
Larson Fisher Associates, Inc.
Historic Preservation & Planning Services
PO Box 1394
Woodstock, NY  12498
845-679-5054
jillfisher47 at hotmail.com

www.larsonfisher.com





>From: "Kristi Chase" <KristiChase at post.harvard.edu>
>Reply-To: KristiChase at post.harvard.edu
>To: <cmcarl at mindspring.com>, "Suzanne W. Pelton"
<sw.pelton at verizon.net>
>CC: Masshistpres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
>Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Name Change
>Date: Sat, 03 Mar 2007 21:24:23 -0500
>
>We frequently take calls for the Historical Society from people that
mean
>the Historical Commission or vice versa.  I personally don't think it
>matters very much.  I believe the distinctions really lie between
>"Societies" which are private organizations vs. "Commissions or Boards"
>which are governmental.  Most people do not recognize any difference 
>between
>them.
>
>Kristi Chase
>Somerville HPC
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
>[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu]On Behalf Of Carol Carlson
>Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 7:05 PM
>To: Suzanne W. Pelton
>Cc: Masshistpres
>Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Name Change
>
>
>Suzanne:
>Bedford changed the name of the Historical Commission to the Historic
>Preservation Commission a few years back.  The only problem I have seen
>is when you use the initials - HDC and HPC. Confusing to many.   But if
>you are using Lenox Preservation Commission (LPC) that should work
fine.
>I believe the change of name went on the Warrant for Annual Town
>Meeting, where we got to hear the reasons pro and con, and vote.
>
>Yes, I quite understand that most folks in town don't know the
>difference between the three groups.  I hope your newly-named
commission
>helps.
>
>Carol Carlson
>Bedford HDC
>
>Suzanne W. Pelton wrote:
>
> >The Lenox Historical Commission wishes to change its name.
> >
> >We have these three committees:
> >
> >Historic District Commission
> >Historical Commission
> >Historical Society
> >
> >Most people in town would be hard pressed to tell the difference
> >between them, so we're thinking of changing our name to
> >Lenox Preservation Commission.
> >
> >I think I read some time ago that some other towns have done this.
> >1 Can you tell me how this is done?
> >2 Advantages/disadvatages is any?
> >
> >Suzanne Pelton
> >Secretary
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