Historic Preservation
The Office of Historic Preservation promotes and protects the City of Boston's cultural heritage. Part of the Environment, Energy and Open Space Cabinet, the department houses the Boston Landmarks Commission, the City Archaeology Program and the Commemoration Commission. Together, our teams raise awareness about environmental, social, and economic benefits of Boston's historic resources and the stories that can be told through cultural resources.
We also promote the benefits of adaptive reuse of historic buildings and materials. Our department fosters economic development and cultural diversity by protecting and advocating for Boston's unique sense of place.
Contact
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20 City Hall Avenue, Floor 3
Boston, MA 02108 -
Office HoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Department Divisions
Departments
Boston Landmarks Commission
The Landmarks Commission (BLC) and the 10 local historic district commissions are comprised of volunteers nominated by professional organizations and neighborhood groups. The Commissions are tasked with reviewing exterior changes made to properties within their specific jurisdictions. The BLC also regulates the city's Article 85 Demolition Delay ordinance.
Archaeology Program
The City Archaeology Program was founded in 1983. The program's goal is to protect Boston's irreplaceable archaeological resources. Boston has hundreds of known archaeological sites within the City's borders. Archaeology staff curate the archaeological collections at the City’s Archaeology Laboratory.
Commemoration Commission
The Boston Commemoration Commission will mark upcoming historical anniversaries, including the United States' 250th in 2026, the 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Boston in 2030, and other significant historical anniversaries.
Spotlight
Office of Historic Preservation Vision Event
On November 16, 2023, the Office of Historic Preservation presented its vision for the future of Historic Preservation in Boston. Couldn't make it? Click through to review the presentation.
Nazarro Center Landmark Designation
Mayor Wu signs designation of BCYF Nazzaro Community Center as Landmark. Now signed by the Mayor, final designation happens with the Boston City Council’s vote of approval.
Boston Slavery Exhibit
It is impossible to understand the colonization of New England without including slavery. By the time Puritan settlers established Boston in 1630, Europeans had been enslaving Indigenous Americans and Africans for more than a century.
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Meet The Team
Meet The Team
Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet
Reverend Mariama White-Hammond is the Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space for the City of Boston. In this role, Rev. White-Hammond is responsible for leading the Cabinet in achieving its mission of enhancing environmental justice and quality of life in Boston by protecting air, water, climate, and land resources, as well as preserving and improving the integrity of Boston's architectural and historic resources.
Departments, Boards, & Agencies
Contact
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20 City Hall Avenue, Floor 3
Boston, MA 02108 -
Office HoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
