[MassHistPres] City of Boston Preservation Month Announcement

[Tonya Loveday]

*Mayor Walsh and the Boston Landmarks Commission Release Calendar of
Eventsfor National Historic Preservation Month May 2014*

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a calendar of special events for
National Historic Preservation Month this May under the theme of "Buildings
and Grounds." The city will host a variety of tours, talks and exhibits
that celebrate and promote Boston's history, architecture, archaeology and
historic neighborhoods.

"Boston's historic buildings and landscapes enrich our neighborhoods. They
enhance the daily experiences of our residents and visitors," said Mayor
Martin J. Walsh. "I hope you will take advantage of the
excellent programming we're offering this month, and join me for the
keynote event on May 1st."

Introduced by Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the May 1st program will take place at
the historic Taj Boston Hotel, overlooking the Public Garden. Entitled
"Mated for Life: Boston and the Swan Boats," Lyn Paget will share the story
of how her great-grandparents introduced the Swan Boats to the Public
Garden in 1877. Still a thriving family enterprise today, this tiny fleet
has gained international fame, becoming a symbol of Boston itself.


Lyn will reveal the origins of the now-familiar swan imagery, relate
interesting facts and anecdotes, explain how the vessels are operated and
maintained, and offer her unique perspective on a historic Boston icon that
is now beloved the world over. Reservation information for this free public
event and the full Preservation Month calendar is available online at
www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks.

In addition to hosting a keynote program, the staff of the Boston Landmarks
Commission (BLC) will present programs featuring above and below-ground
history throughout the city. BLC staff will hit the streets to offer free
walking tours in Boston's nine local historic districts -- including a
special midday series of walks titled "Tour de Grounds," featuring stops at
buildings home to coffee houses downtown and in historic districts
throughout the City.

"Boston's buildings and grounds are inextricably linked," said Nancy L.
Girard, Commissioner of Environment. "Combined, they create a unique urban
landscape that continues to be shaped by the City's development and enjoyed
by all who live in or visit Boston."

The City is pleased to partner with organizations across the City to offer
a wide array of events focusing on Boston's unique architectural and
historic landscape heritage. The BLC's Preservation Month Calendar has more
than 60 pages of activities and is available online and in print version
from the Boston Landmarks Commission.

The Boston Landmarks Commission was established in 1975 to identify and
protect historic buildings, structures, areas and sites, review development
and demolition activities affecting older properties, provide public
information and assistance related to preservation and archaeology, and
provide staff support to the local Historic District Commissions. There are
over 8,000 properties within local Historic Districts or designated as
individual Boston Landmarks by the Commission.

Contact: Tonya Loveday, Boston Landmarks Commission
tonya.loveday at boston.gov, 617-635-3850

-- 
*Tonya M. Loveday*
Assistant Survey Director
Boston Landmarks Commission
Environment Department
Room 709, Boston City Hall Plaza
Boston, MA 02201
(617) 635-3850

[image:
http://www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks/pdfs/2014_Preservation_Month.pdf]<http://www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks/pdfs/2014_Preservation_Month.pdf>
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