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Orange, MA Historical Commission

The primary responsibility of the Historical Commission is community-wide historic preservation planning. Specific requirements are to:

Research places of historic or archaeological value;
Coordinate with other preservation organizations;
Maintain a membership of not less than three nor more than seven members, duly appointed by the appropriate municipal authority.

The Historical Commission has an advisory role within the Town government. As such, they make recommendations to the Select Board on matters relating to the preservation, protection and development of historic areas, buildings, structures and sites. They also review special applications submitted to the Planning Board to determine if the applications may affect historic properties.

The Commission takes on certain tasks or performs certain roles, including the following:

Preservation Plans – A preservation plan can be part of a comprehensive/master plan for the community or can be a separate document. In either case, the plan should demonstrate what the challenges are for preservation, what should be preserved, what tools are most appropriate and when each tool should be implemented.

Inventory/Survey – An inventory is basically a detailed look at each of the buildings, structures, monuments, objects, landscape features and burial grounds in the community. A survey form contains a photo, a map, an architectural description and a brief history of the property. Inventory forms are used constantly by local historical commissions and the Massachusetts Historical Commission for a variety of preservation planning activities.

Advocacy – Historical Commissions are advocates for historical resources as they advise the Select Board on all matters impacting historic resources.

Public Education - Are residents of Orange aware of the unique history, buildings and landscapes located in their own community? Educating the public about local historical resources raises awareness and support for the Historical Commission responsibilities and goals.

Regular Meetings

This board meets third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM at Town Hall or Zoom. The next meeting is Wednesday May 15, 2024 5:30 PM EDT.   Show List....

Historical Commission Upcoming Meetings

Past Meetings

For information on older meetings, please contact the Town Clerk.

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