[MassHistPres] Local Preservation Update E-Newsletter-December 30, 2013

[Skelly, Christopher (SEC)]

LOCAL PRESERVATION UPDATE E-NEWSLETTER
Published by the Massachusetts Historical Commission
December 30, 2013

BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR!

2014 MHC PRESERVATION AWARDS
William F. Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth and Chairman of the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), is pleased to announce that the MHC is accepting nominations for the 36th Annual Preservation Awards Program.  Administered by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), the Preservation Awards Program recognizes preservation projects and individuals that have displayed an outstanding commitment to historic preservation in Massachusetts. Projects completed in the years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 are eligible for consideration. The MHC encourages local historical commissions and societies, preservation professionals, and individuals to nominate outstanding preservation projects for this honor. The MHC accepts nominations in the following categories: Adaptive Reuse, Archaeology, Education and Outreach, Individual Lifetime Achievement (20 or more years of exemplary service to historic preservation in Massachusetts), Landscape Preservation, Local Preservationist, Rehabilitation and Restoration and Stewardship. Nomination forms and guidelines for the 36th Annual Preservation Awards are available on the Massachusetts Historical Commission's website, www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc<http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc> or by calling the MHC at 617-727-8470.  Nominations must be received at the MHC's office in the State Archives Building by 5:00pm on Friday, February 14, 2014.

REGIONAL COALITION MEETING OF LOCAL HISTORICAL COMMISSIONS AND HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSIONS
On December 9, 2013, almost 40 local commission members met at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission in Springfield for a historic preservation question and answer discussion.  Topics included the role of local historical commissions, preservation advocacy, listing properties on the National Register of Historic Places, establishing local historic districts, demolition delay bylaws as well as many others.  While most of the meeting focused on learning best practices from each other, the broader goal of the meeting was forming a more organized coalition of local commissions for increased networking, training opportunities and effectiveness.  Attendees offered a list of workshop topics and speakers that would be useful for future sessions.  This meeting was organized collaboratively by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Preservation Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS
Among the topics discussed at the above mentioned Western Massachusetts Local Historical Commission meeting was the need for a statewide Massachusetts Association of Local Historic Preservation Commissions.  Several local commission members have expressed interest in moving this forward.  If you would like to participate in an organizing meeting, please contact Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us<mailto:Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us>

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION GRANTS
In honor of the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War, funding was approved in the state's FY2014 budget for the purpose of preserving objects in the Commonwealth which are significant to the history of the Civil War.  Municipalities and non-profit organizations may apply for matching funds for the renovation, rehabilitation, preservation, or enhancement of objects including existing markers, memorials, monuments, and plaques significant to the commemoration of the American Civil War and Civil War veterans.  Applications will be accepted beginning on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 and ending on Tuesday, April 1, 2014. For more information, visit http://ma150.org/civil-war-preservation-grants.

CULTURAL FACILITIES FUND GRANTS AVAILABLE
These grants through MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council can be used for the rehabilitation of cultural facilities, such as a museum, when owned by a non-profit organization or municipality.  For more information, visit http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/facilities/facilities_guidelines.htm

HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE NEWS
Amherst
Amherst to conduct survey of historic relevance of old outbuidlings<http://www.gazettenet.com/home/9780614-95/amherst-to-conduct-survey-of-historic-relevance-of-old-outbuidlings>
Haverhill
Neighbors win ownership of historic building<http://www.hgazette.com/local/x1636698118/Neighbors-win-ownership-of-historic-building>
Somerset
Building gets historic nomination<http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131218/PUB05/312180349/-1/pub05>
Truro
Truro church nominated for Historic Register<http://www.wickedlocal.com/wellfleet/news/x348815383/Truro-church-nominated-for-Historic-Register>
Waltham
Waltham councilors show support for farm purchase, but vote delayed<http://www.wickedlocal.com/waltham/news/x915449583/Waltham-councilors-show-support-for-farm-purchase-but-vote-delayed>

CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND DATES TO REMEMBER
February 14, 2014
MHC Preservation Awards Nominations Due.  See above.

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Please forward this newsletter on to others that may be interested.  If you are receiving this as a forwarded message and would like to receive it directly, please contact the Massachusetts Historical Commission.   The Massachusetts Historical Commission also has a listserve, known as masshistpres, specifically for historic preservation.  You can join this listserve by visiting http://mailman.cs.umb.edu/mailman/listinfo/masshistpres.  This newsletter is posted on masshistpres directly and sent to local commission members.  We welcome your thoughts on what you would like to see in this newsletter.  The website for the Massachusetts Historical Commission is http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcidx.htm

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