Massachusetts Historical Commission
Learn & Research Overview

Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System

The Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) allows you to search the Massachusetts Historical Commission database for information on historic properties and areas in the Commonwealth.

State Reconnaissance Survey Reports

In the late 1970s, the MHC published a groundbreaking, statewide preservation plan: Cultural Resources in Massachusetts: A Model for Management. The plan advocated an interdisciplinary approach to the assessment and management of the Commonwealth's cultural resources that measured the significance of properties and sites in terms of the broad, anthropological patterns of historical development of the regions and communities of the state.

Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Plan 2018-2022

View the Plan (PDF)

The preservation community in Massachusetts includes well over 500 organizations as well as many more organizations directly involved with historic resources or with the management of historic resources. At over 450, local historic district commissions and historical commissions make up the majority of the preservation organizations statewide.

This plan reflects the input, discussion, and hard work of many individuals representing many different agencies and groups. Its goal is to provide all of the preservation partners, including municipal governments, state agencies, regional and statewide organizations and the Massachusetts Historical Commission with a clear direction on how best to protect the irreplaceable historic and cultural resources of Massachusetts.

Economic Impacts of Historic Preservation In Massachusetts

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This study examines the many substantial economic effects of historic preservation in Massachusetts. It is one of the more detailed statewide analyses ofthe economic impacts of historic preservation.

The study examines the total economic effects of historic preservation; these encompass both the direct and multiplier effects. The direct impact component consists of labor and material purchases made specifically for the preservation activity. The multiplier effects incorporate what are referred to as indirect and induced economic consequences. The indirect impact component consists of spending on goods and services by industries that produce the items purchased for the historic preservation activity. The induced impact component focuses on the expenditures made by the households of workers involved either directly or indirectly with the activity.

There's a Difference:Understanding National Register Districts and Local Historic Districts

View the brochure (PDF)

There are substantialdifferences between a Local Historic District and a National Register District. This brochure has been prepared by the Massachusetts Historical Commission to help clarify these differences.

Archaeology Resources

List of Resources for Teachers and Students

Go here for an extensive list of Archaeology links and resources for teachers and students. This list includes educational websites for teachers and kids, valuable archaeology education books, Information on careers in Archaeology, and Muesum contact information with links to their website