[MassHistPres] Historical / District Commission member group

[Dennis De Witt]

The statewide conferences that MHC used to sponsor -- at one time annually -- did much of what you are looking for.  There were specialized seminars and workshops and local tours on a variety of topics as well as the equivalent of LHD 101, combined with at least one large session and lots of networking.  Usually they were in a place of interest, such as Salem, Newburyport, New Bedford, Clark U in Worcester, and the last time U Mass Boston.  

I think MHC had a person devoted to it full time.  But eventually the funds just weren't there.  MHC's budget would be cut during each financial crisis and then never fully restored afterward.  

After the last conference, Preservation Mass took over part of that function -- as did this valuable list serve, frankly.

I wonder if the records are accessible.  It might be worth knowing what the attendance was at those conferences.  I think the last one, which happened after a one or two year hiatus, was less well attended than had been hoped.  However, I recall from it a very useful session on the pros and cons of Cambridge's non-40c neighborhood districts.  Some of those special sessions stick in the mind; What to do about 40b's (New Bedford); Secretary's Standards (Newburyport); MGL 184 Preservation Easements (Salem); etc.

Dennis De Witt


On May 12, 2011, at 3:03 PM, Chris Skelly wrote:

> I think this could be a great idea.  There are some other states with local commission associations.  So, taking a look at how they work would be important.  I’ll be interested to hear what others have to say about what they think an association could accomplish and what is most needed. 
>  
> In regularly talking to commissions around the state, I often recognize that they need a collective stronger voice.  With several thousand members making up commissions around the state, they really could be a strong voice together. 
>  
> Certainly, a statewide conference is needed.  I just checked the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions website and noted that nearly 800 people attended their annual conference in 2011!  Wow.  I think a statewide preservation conference that would appeal to local commission members and homeowners is the way to go.  Could be a great learning environment for everyone. 
>  
> Chris.
>  
> Christopher C. Skelly
> Director of Local Government Programs
> Massachusetts Historical Commission
>  
> From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu]On Behalf Of Blever3043
> Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2011 11:28 AM
> To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
> Subject: [MassHistPres] Historical / District Commission member group
>  
> Hi All, 
> 
> I’m wondering if there is interest in forming an association of local historic preservation commissions.  Lots of other boards, committees and commissions such as conservation commissions, zoning boards of appeal, planning boards, health boards, school committees and so on have organized themselves into statewide associations.   As statewide non-profit organizations, they have a strong voice, educate their members on various topics, hold annual conferences and advocate for their cause.  This listserve is a great forum for discussion, but local commissions need a stronger collective voice.  Its been a while since the last state-wide conference and I think it would be good to have a venue that those of us in preservation can get together and learn from each other.  Even a one day conference like VAF or New England Archaeology has would be good.  With all of the Local Historical Commissions and Historic District Commissions around the state, a Massachusetts Association of Historic Preservation Commissions could help our cause and organize us.  What do you think?  Is this a good idea?  If so, what should be some next steps.
> 
> 
> Brian Lever 
> 
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