Historical Commission

Meetings

View the Historical Commission Calendar.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to each meeting.
View Agendas

Minutes are available following approval.
View Minutes

Members

View the Historical Commission Membership List

Objective

The objective of the Historical Commission is to protect and preserve the Town's cultural character and assets, be they archaeological sites, historic buildings, open spaces, landscapes, or historic districts.

Responsibilities

  • Maintains the Cultural Resource List of significant structures in Town (The Cultural Resource List is also available at the Memorial Library and is currently being updated.)
  • Reviews any development, demolition, or community planning to ensure that preservation concerns are considered via the public hearing process under Ch. N: Procedure for the Demolition of Historically or Architecturally Significant Building. (See link to Chapter N, Acton General Bylaws below.)
  • Oversees the Preservation of Archaeologically Significant Resources Bylaw (See link to Chapter AD, Acton General Bylaws below.)
  • Reviews and comments on all proposed subdivisions with regards to (loss of) stone walls, cart paths, old quarries, or other archaeological or historic elements of the landscape
  • Visits the property to identify and document culturally significant resources during the review process
  • Promotes and administers a Historic Marker Program for owners of historically significant buildings.

Jurisdiction

The Commission's jurisdiction includes everything outside of the boundaries of Acton’s three historic districts – Acton Center, South Acton, and West Acton.

Outreach

The Historical Commission:

  • Serves as a design resource to property owners who are remodeling older properties.
  • Consults with the Historic District Commission (a separate Commission overseeing Acton’s three Historic Districts) to coordinate preservation efforts throughout Acton.
  • Has members serving on the Acton 250 Committee, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution.

Resources