Historic Markers Resources

• I’ve been notified that there is interest in placing a historic marker on my property, what does that mean?

Property owners are able to submit nominations for their own homes. If someone has submitted a nomination for a historic marker to be placed on your home, the Office of Historic Preservation will contact you. You are able to decide if you consent to having a historic marker on your property. 

The Boston Historic Markers Program is separate from the Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC). Having a marker installed through the program does not, by itself, designate a property as a Boston Landmark or historic district, or subject a property to new historic preservation restrictions. In addition, this does not automatically include your property on any state or national registers of historic places where your property was not previously listed.

Additional review is required for certain locations. If a proposed marker is located on a designated Boston Landmark or within a designated landmark district, the installation must be reviewed and approved by BLC before proceeding. OHP will coordinate this review as needed.

Any separate requirements that apply to a property or proposed installation remain in effect. A marker nomination does not replace or determine the outcome of any independent review or permitting process that may be required.

• Who owns the historic marker?

OHP will own the historic marker. OHP reserves the right to coordinate the historical interpretation, final marker text and design, production, and installation of selected markers.

OHP is responsible for coordinating marker maintenance and removal when needed. Any reporting requirements established for marker conditions will be communicated to the relevant parties.

Applicants or property owners may be invited to review draft text or designs at OHP’s discretion.

View the 25 Installed Historic Markers