The new HHC HISTORIC HOUSE MARKER.
Overview
The Historical Commission’s HISTORIC HOUSE MARKER enables owners of historic homes, barns or other structures to purchase a marker listing the date the structure was built and historic information pertinent to the house and property such as the original owner’s name or occupation. The owner would provide the research and authentication to the Harvard Historical Commission for approval. To find the date and other information about a home, owners should refer to the Historical Commission website’s ‘LOCAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES‘ which will have the latest updates.
Application Process
The Commission will confirm receipt of all applications by phone or email. The review process will take 30 to 60 days and will focus on verification of the significance of the property and the accuracy and appropriateness of the requested text of the plaque. The Commission may deny an application if it determines the structure does not qualify or if an application does not contain enough detail or explanation for the Commission to confirm the importance of the structure. An application may also be denied if the Commission deems the requested text to be inaccurate or inappropriate. In such cases, the Commission could ask the applicant for additional information or alternative text for the plaque. When approved, the homeowner would present cash in the amount of $20 to ISS, Inc in Shirley in order for the sign to be fabricated.
Qualifications
This is an ongoing program, not restricted to the historical districts, to encourage research and appreciation of the various types of architecture within the town of Harvard. However the markers themselves have no legal implications on the structure.
In order to be able to qualify for the marker project and purchase a marker, the structure should comply with one of the following criteria:
- Age: 100 or older, or otherwise historically-significant
- Architecture: architecturally significant
- Archaeology: site is archaeologically important to Harvard
Complete and submit the Application for Historic House Marker
Download and complete application and submit it to the Commission. If you prefer to manually fill out the application, download, print and fill out the PDF formatted application. Mail application to HHC, 13 Ayer Road, Harvard, 01451. If you prefer to complete the form using MS Word on your computer, download and complete the WORD formatted application with MS Word. Email to Chair@HHCommission.org.
