HISTORIC PROPERTY PLAQUES AVAILABLE THROUGH CITY PROGRAM

HISTORIC PROPERTY PLAQUES AVAILABLE THROUGH HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

Owners of historic properties in Somerville can purchase plaques at reasonable cost to commemorate the historical significance of their home.

SOMERVILLE – Has your house been determined in the past to have historic significance? If so, a plaque is available for your designated home through the City of Somerville’s Historic Plaque Program. The program is overseen by the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC), as part of the Commission’s mission to identify, commemorate and honor the important people, places and events that have contributed to Somerville’s rich heritage.

Eligible homeowners can purchase the plaques from the SHPC for $50, which is at-cost from the City’s vendor. Each plaque identifies the historic name of the house, based upon the first one or two owners, and the date of construction or, if not exactly known, “circa” is used. The SHPC is making these plaques available again to eligible homeowners at a reasonable cost to increase awareness by both residents and visitors alike of Somerville’s historic assets.

The Historic Plaque Program first began in the 1990s, to highlight designated properties throughout Somerville. Since that time, new properties have been designated in several areas of the City thanks to state and federal grants, and the City is once again providing owners of designated historic properties the opportunity to purchase plaques at a reduced group rate through this special program.

Current homeowners who have not been designated but believe that their property may have architectural and/or historical significance are encouraged to have their property surveyed to determine eligibility. A list of architectural historians who can undertake this work can be provided upon request. Those interested in learning more about the Historic Plaque Program, or the surveying and designation process should contact Historic Preservation Commission Executive Director Brandon Wilson at 617-625-6600 ext. 2532 or bwilson@somervillema.gov.