Research and technical assistance
Here’s a collection of resources for people who want to research historic buildings or get technical guidance.
CULTURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY
Since 1977, the BLC has inventoried properties throughout Boston, but not all buildings and resources have been surveyed. Our inventory is continually being updated. Most BLC survey forms are available online through the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) database and are a good source of building history.
RESEARCH
We created a guide to help with researching your property. While BLC staff cannot perform research for constituents, we are happy to assist you in how to use research tools to uncover sources of information about historic significance.
SUSTAINABILITY
We worked closely with Environment Department colleagues to create the Resilient Historic Buildings Design Guide about retrofitting historic buildings to address climate change. Check more of our resources about energy efficiency and repairing wood windows.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Landmarks Commission
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20 City Hall Avenue
3rd FloorBoston, MA 02108
Resources
- Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
- National Park Service Preservation Briefs
- 2020 Preservation Directory
- National Trust: Repair or Replace Old Windows?
- Making a Case for Restoring Historic Wood Windows
- 10 Reasons to Restore/Repair Wood Windows
- Historic wood windows tip sheet
- Photographing windows for applications
- Technical support for online applications
- Resilient Historic Design Guide, August 2018 City of Boston
- Renew Boston - save energy and money at home
- Greenovate Boston - get involved in climate action
- National Park Service: Energy Efficiency and Weatherization
- National Park Service Guidelines on Sustainability for Historic Buildings, 2011
- National Trust for Historic Preservation and Sustainability
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Still have questions? Contact:
Landmarks Commission
-
20 City Hall Avenue
3rd FloorBoston, MA 02108
