Preserving the Past for Future Generations: Preservation Month & Historic Preservation in Massachusetts
It's May and it's Preservation Month! As a librarian with a background in history and museums who grew up in a city steeped in history, I confess I'm a little nerdy and passionate about things like local history and historic preservation. My grandfather taught history at one of the high schools in my hometown. It's in my blood. So obviously I am excited to hype up Preservation Month for you today. May is an important time for us to reflect on the significance of historic preservation, not only at major national sites across the United States but also at smaller sites right around us in our local communities
As a society, we often focus on progress and innovation and we sometimes neglect to research, support, and adequately fund historic preservation efforts in our very own communities. Just as progress is to be embraced and celebrated, I believe it is equally important that we simultaneously preserve, honor, and learn from our past. These are not contradictory ambitions. They can and should work together if we are to preserve our cultural heritage sites for future generations. As we explore the history of our communities, we can better understand where we come from and how we got here. By preserving historic sites, we can ensure that future generations have access to these important lessons from the past.
In this post, I'll dive into the history of Preservation Month and its significance and discuss some of the historic sites on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Several of them are sites that I had the privilege to work at during my time in the history graduate program at the University of Massachusetts Boston. These are places that have played a major role in my own personal and professional development over the years. They have helped shape how I understand the world as a whole as well as my understanding of and appreciation for the role of historic preservation in society. So let's first take a moment to reflect on the importance of historic preservation and the role it plays in shaping our communities and our understanding of the past.
A Brief History of Preservation in the US
Preservation allows us to honor our cultural heritage, understand our history, and appreciate the significant contributions of our ancestors. Historic preservation provides us with an irreplaceable tangible connection to the past. Preserving our cultural heritage sites provides communities with economic benefits, as it attracts tourism and investment. By doing so, it enhances property values in historic neighborhoods while fostering a sense of community pride and identity. Historic preservation efforts often involve local residents, businesses, and civic organizations, contributing to a shared sense of ownership in the community's history and cultural heritage.
The history of preservation in the United States dates back to the late 19th century when the first formal historic preservation organizations were established. These organizations were concerned about the loss of historic structures and sites around them due to rapid urbanization and industrialization of the world. They recognized the need to preserve the historic sites and the nation's cultural heritage for future generations.
In the early 20th century, the National Park Service was established. The NPS played a critical early role in preserving some of the nation's most iconic landmarks and natural resources. The passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966 was another significant milestone in the history of preservation in the US, as it stablished the National Register of Historic Places and provided federal funding for preservation efforts.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is one of the most well-known and influential organizations in the field of historic preservation in the United States. Founded in 1949, the National Trust works to protect historic sites, structures, and neighborhoods across the country. The organization also provides education and advocacy programs to promote the importance of historic preservation and heritage tourism.
Today, preservation efforts are more comprehensive and complex than ever before. In addition to preserving individual structures and sites, preservationists are now focused on preserving entire neighborhoods, cultural landscapes, and other intangible aspects of our cultural heritage. Preservation efforts have expanded to include a wider range of historical periods and cultural groups. The preservation of historic sites and structures associated with underrepresented communities has become an increasingly important focus of preservation efforts.
Preservation Month is an annual event that takes place in May in the United States. The month-long celebration is dedicated to promoting and raising awareness of historic preservation efforts across the country. It began in 1973 when the National Trust for Historic Preservation established it as a way to promote historic preservation and recognize the role it plays in preserving America's cultural heritage. Throughout the month, various activities and events are organized by preservation organizations, museums, and local communities to celebrate the preservation of historic sites and buildings. It is a time to highlight the importance of historic preservation and raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities that come with maintaining our heritage for future generations.
Historic Preservation in Massachusetts
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, several organizations promote and advocate for historic preservation, including the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and preserving historic properties across the state. Preservation Massachusetts also promotes historic preservation and works to protect endangered historic sites and structures. The Trustees of Reservations oversee the preservation of both historic sites and historic landscapes across Massachusetts as well. There is also the Boston Preservation Alliance, which is dedicated to protecting and promoting the city's historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes specifically. All of these organizations work to organize events during Preservation Month, and the City of Boston lists scheduled activities and events on the Boston Preservation Month section of its website.
Local historical commissions also play a significant role in preserving cultural heritage here in Massachusetts. Local historical commissions oversee decisions regarding their own community's and preservation of buildings and sites there. I served on the Abington Historical Commission when I first moved to Abington, and served as the liaison to the Community Preservation Committee for a year as well. Getting involved is a great way to learn more about your community's history while working to protect historic neighborhoods and landmarks, promote heritage tourism, and educate the public about local history.
Local historical societies are often separate from government-appointed historical commissions, but do similar work to preserve local history. Quincy Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Quincy and promoting awareness and appreciation of the city's cultural heritage. Their website offers a wealth of resources for anyone interested in learning more about the history of Quincy, including educational programs and historical archives. Other local historical societies, such as the Hingham Historical Society and Cohasset Historical Society, are likewise committed to preserving their own community's history and sites.
Given the area's significance, Massachusetts is home to many other organizations that oversee local buildings and sites of historical significance, including the Freedom Trail in Boston, which connects sixteen sites related to the American Revolution. The trail includes sites like the Massachusetts State House, the Old State House and Boston Massacre site, the King's Chapel Burying Ground, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the Paul Revere House.
There are countless other historic sites and museums around Massachusetts that are dedicated to preserving the state's historic sites and cultural heritage. Other notable historic sites outside of Boston include the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the Lowell National Historical Park, the Old North Church in Boston, the Louisa May Alcott House in Concord, and the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown, just to name a few.
One of my favorites is a former workplace of mine, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Dorchester. I had the privilege to work in both Visitor Services and the Museum Store while I was an undergrad student at neighboring UMass Boston. I later returned to intern in the Research Room of the archives during my UMB history graduate program as well. The iconic building on the water was designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei and opened to the public in 1979. In recent years, the building underwent extensive renovations to modernize its systems, expand exhibit space and improve both in-person and digital accessibility of the space and its collections. There are always ongoing efforts to preserve and digitize collections and make them available to the public. Furthermore, the building also houses and preserves an impressive Ernest Hemingway Collection. The staff work tirelessly to promote and preserve this significant cultural landmark but and ensure its continued preservation, relevance and accessibility of its collections for future generations.
Another notable historic site in Massachusetts is the Adams National Historical Park in my hometown of Quincy. Managed by the National Park Service since the 1940s, the park includes the Old House at Peacefield (or just "the Adams mansion" to us locals) and the birthplaces of both John and John Quincy Adams. The house at Peacefield was the home of John and Abigail Adams as well as John Quincy Adams and his wife Louisa Catherine Adams. All four are buried in the Adams Family crypt in the basement of the United First Parish Church. The home was also occupied by later descendants of the Adams family, including Charles Francis Adams and Henry Adams. The continued preservation of these sites brings tourists to the city (especially after the publication of the late David McCullough's biography of John Adams and the airing of HBO's series adaptation of said biography - both of which I highly recommend) and provides an opportunity to educate the public about the Adams family and their contributions to American history.
The South Shore of Massachusetts is home to many other historic sites and structures, and ongoing preservation efforts are essential to protect this cultural heritage. From the colonial-era homes in Plymouth to the shipbuilding traditions of the coastal towns, the South Shore is rich in history and offers numerous opportunities for preservation. One example of successful preservation on the South Shore is the restoration of the Daniel Webster Estate in Marshfield. The estate was the home of the famous statesman and orator and is now open to the public as a museum. The restoration project included extensive repairs to the home's exterior, interior, and gardens, and it has helped to ensure the property's continued relevance and accessibility.
Another notable preservation project on the South Shore is the restoration of the Quincy Quarries Reservation. The quarries were once a major source of granite for building projects in the Boston area and are now a popular recreational area. The restoration project included the removal of hazardous materials, the creation of new trails, and the installation of signage to educate visitors about the area's history and geology. Knowing and seeing the previous condition of the quarries during my own childhood, I can personally attest to the enormous transformation of the area. I'll delve into both the industrial history and grisly stories of the quarries in another post soon, but for now I'll just say that I love that it is now a hiking and climbing destination that brings in adventurers from outside of the city. The Quincy Quarry & Granite Workers Museum website is dedicated to preserving the industrial history of the area, and while there is only a virtual museum at the time of my writing this, there are plans for a brick-and-mortar site.
Preservation Month is an important time to recognize and celebrate the historic sites and structures that shape our communities and connect us to our past. By preserving these sites, we can ensure that future generations have access to the stories and experiences that make us who we are. I hope this post has inspired you to get out there and explore the historic sites in your area and to be an advocate for preservation in general as well as in your own community. The past is living all around us!
Historic Sites on the South Shore of Massachusetts
The South Shore is home to many historic sites that offer visitors a glimpse into the region's history. Here are a few examples of some of the most significant historic sites on the South Shore that are worth checking out:
- Abigail Adams Birthplace - a historic home located in Weymouth, Massachusetts, that was built in the late 17th century and is the birthplace of Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams. The home has been restored to its original condition and now serves as a museum that provides a glimpse into the daily life of a colonial family. Visitors can tour the house and view exhibits that showcase the life and legacy of Abigail Adams and her family.
- Benjamin Lincoln House - a historic building located in Hingham, Massachusetts. It was built in 1760 by Major General Benjamin Lincoln, a wealthy landowner and farmer who served as a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The house is a fine example of Georgian architecture and has been beautifully preserved and restored over the years.
- Dorothy Quincy Homestead - a historic home located in Quincy, Massachusetts, that was built in the early 18th century and is named after Dorothy Quincy, the wife of patriot John Hancock. The home has been beautifully restored and furnished with period antiques and artwork, providing visitors with an immersive experience of life in colonial Massachusetts. The Dorothy Quincy Homestead offers guided tours of the house, gardens, and grounds, as well as educational programs and events, such as lectures and demonstrations, that promote awareness and appreciation of the history and culture of the region. The home is now owned and operated by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Eustis Estate - a historic mansion located in Milton, Massachusetts. Built in 1878, the estate was designed by renowned architect William Ralph Emerson and was owned by the prominent Eustis family. The house is a fine example of late 19th century architecture, featuring a mix of Victorian, Renaissance Revival, and Colonial Revival styles. The Eustis Estate is now owned by Historic New England, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic significance of properties throughout New England. Visitors to the estate can take guided tours of the mansion and its grounds, and explore the rich history of the Eustis family and their contributions to American society. The mansion has been carefully restored to its original splendor, featuring exquisite woodwork, intricate carvings, and other architectural details that are true to the period. The house is also home to a collection of fine art and decorative arts, including pieces from the Eustis family's personal collection.
- Hull Lifesaving Museum - a small, but fascinating museum located in Hull, Massachusetts, on the South Shore of Boston. The museum is dedicated to the history of the United States Life-Saving Service, a precursor to the modern United States Coast Guard, which was responsible for rescuing mariners in distress and saving lives at sea. The museum is housed in the old Point Allerton U.S. Life-Saving Station, which was built in 1889 and was used until 1945. The building has been beautifully restored and now serves as a museum, with exhibits showcasing the history of the Life-Saving Service and its role in the development of maritime safety.
- Lizzie Borden House - a historic home located in Fall River (so yes, technically Southeastern MA and not the South Shore exactly) that is infamous for being the site of the brutal axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in 1892. I have a soft spot for this particularly gruesome site, as my sixth-grade history teacher used to live in it and frequently appeared as a talking head in documentaries about it. The home has been preserved and restored to its original condition and is now a museum and bed-and-breakfast that attracts visitors from around the world. Visitors can also stay overnight in one of the home's guest rooms and experience the eerie atmosphere of the murder scene firsthand. The Lizzie Borden House is a popular destination for true crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and serves as a chilling reminder of the dark side of American history.
- Old Ship Church - a historic Puritan church located in Hingham, Massachusetts, that was built in 1681 and is the oldest continuously used church building in the United States. The church is an iconic symbol of early American architecture, featuring a unique ship-like design with a high gabled roof and elegant wooden interior. The Old Ship Church has been beautifully restored and preserved over the years, and is now a National Historic Landmark and an active Unitarian Universalist congregation. Visitors can tour the church and learn about its fascinating history, as well as attend religious services, concerts, and other cultural events that take place throughout the year. The Old Ship Church is a beloved symbol of Hingham's rich cultural heritage and is an important reminder of the important role that religion and community played in the early years of American history.
- Paragon Carousel - a beloved landmark and cultural institution located in Hull, Massachusetts, and a favorite place of mine to still sit and eat ice cream at during summertime visits to Nantasket Beach. It was built in 1928 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and operated for many years at the Paragon Park amusement park. When the park closed in 1985, the carousel was saved and restored by a group of dedicated volunteers and moved to its current location in Hull. The Paragon Carousel is a beautifully preserved example of the "golden age" of American carousel design, featuring hand-carved horses and other animals, ornate decorations, and a Wurlitzer band organ. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a ride on the carousel and take in the intricate details and colorful artwork.
- Plimoth Patuxet Museums: This living history museum in Plymouth recreates the experience of the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people in the 17th century. Visitors can explore the Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America, and walk through a recreated Pilgrim village and Wampanoag homesite. The Plimoth Patuxet Museums are an important educational resource for students and history enthusiasts, and the field trip to this location is essentially a local right of passage. The museum's exhibits and programs offer a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the Plymouth Colony and the interactions between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including reenactments, lectures, and workshops.
- Winslow House - a historic building located in Marshfield, Massachusetts. It was built in 1699 by Edward Winslow, a member of the prominent Winslow family who were among the earliest English settlers in the region. The Winslow House is a rare example of 17th century American architecture, and it is the oldest surviving house in Marshfield. Today, the Winslow House is owned and operated by the Winslow House Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic significance of the house. Visitors can take guided tours of the house and learn about its rich history, as well as the lives of the Winslow family and their contributions to early American history.
These are just a few examples of the many historic sites on the South Shore. Whether you are interested in colonial history, maritime heritage, or the lives of famous Americans, there is something for everyone to explore and learn about on the South Shore.
Additional Resources & Recommended Reading
- Boston Athenaeum
- Commonwealth Museum
- Digital Commonwealth
- A Guide to Martha's Vineyard Lighthouses
- American Historical Assocation: "Historians in Historic Preservation"
- Historic New England
- JFK Presidential Library & Museum
- MACRIS
- Mass Historical Commission
- Mass Memories Road Show
- National Park Service
- National Trust for Historic Preservation: A Brief History of Preservation Month
- Trustees of Reservations
- UMass Boston Healey Library's Archives and Special Collections
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