Massachusetts enjoys a cultural heritage rich in historic resources. The preservation of these resources has revitalized neighborhoods, added to the revenues of cities and towns, and preserved community character. Preservationists, working to protect our historic assets, have maintained the sense of time and place that forms the essence of our Commonwealth. To honor these outstanding citizens, the Secretary of the Commonwealth hosts the Massachusetts Historical Commission's Annual Preservation Awards Program.
Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund
The Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) is a state-funded 50% reimbursable matching grant program established in 1984 to support the preservation of properties, landscapes, and sites (cultural resources) listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Applicants must be a municipality or nonprofit organization.
Review and Compliance Information
Any new construction projects or renovations to existing buildings that require funding, licenses, or permits from any state or federal governmental agencies must be reviewed by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) for impacts to historic and archaeological properties. It is the nature of the federal or state agency involvement that triggers MHC review, not listing in the National or State Registers of Historic Places. A listing in either register does not necessarily require review and likewise, lack of listing does not eliminate the need for review.
This category includes the following:
The National Register of Historic Places
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the American cultural resources worthy of preservation.
On the Road Program for Local Communities
The "On the Road" program is designed to assist Local Historical Commissions and Local Historic District Commissions. MHC's Director of Local Government Programs is available to visit communities, discuss local historic preservation issues, and offer ways to resolve problems.
Is there Funding to fix my Home?
Unfortunately there are no specific programs at the state or federal level that provide financial assistance to the owner-occupants of historic homes for their maintenance or restoration.