[MassHistPres] Name Change

Mon Mar 5 10:11:27 EST 2007

I concur with this and was just about to send an e-mail explaining my
understanding of proper grammar.  However, Matthew has said it very
clearly - it is a matter of the parts of speech and which word is being
modified!

Thanks,
Gretchen Schuler
Wayland Historic District Commission
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Matthew B. Bronski" <MBBronski at sgh.com>
To: <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 9:49 AM
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Name Change

> 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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