Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Plan, 2011–2015

From introduction: "For over 10,000 years, human activity has shaped the landscape of this Commonwealth. Today, this landscape has stories to tell everywhere we look. Whether they are archaeological sites associated with Native American inhabitants, wood framed structures from early European settlement or factory villages adjacent to water powered sites, the landscapes of Massachusetts offer variety and interest that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Today, the Massachusetts landscape is multi-layered as human activity on the landscape has shifted and shifted again. The buildings, bridges, parks, burial grounds, agricultural landscapes, mill housing, industrial complexes, archaeological sites and the many other historic and cultural resources found in the cities and towns of Massachusetts are significant to our understanding of our past. They establish our sense of connection to our communities and they are the very reason people choose to live, work, and visit here. As irreplaceable significant historic and cultural resources have been threatened or destroyed, advocates for their preservation have organized, voiced their concern, and worked tirelessly to protect them. Today, a network of local commissions, local and state non-profit organizations and state government agencies work to assure that historic resources remain an integral part of our cities and towns while still allowing growth, change, and new patterns of development. This State Historic Preservation Plan for 2011-2015 offers the chance for all of us to recognize our past accomplishments, view the challenges ahead, and see how we can all work together towards a Commonwealth that continues to reflect the stories of everyone in the historic landscape around us." Funding was provided in part by a 2011 Historic Preservation Fund grant administered by the Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Office (project number MA-11-007, grant number 25-11-31928) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Plan, 2011–2015

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