Preservation Massachusetts (formerly Historic Massachusetts)

CONTACT:

Old City Hall, 45 School St.
Boston, MA 02108
617-723-3383
www.preservationmass.org

James Igoe, President

DESCRIPTION:

"Massachusetts ranks first in the nation in its number of designated historic districts [587]. ...46% of these districts [270] have a poverty rate greater than 20%." The condition of historic sites usually reflects that of their surrounding areas, because the two are interdependent. This means that the restoration of the site, and the restoration of its area, will likewise be interdependent.

Preservation Massachusetts was founded in 1986 as the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Commonwealth's unique historic and cultural heritage through advocacy and education. In 1993 "community revitalization" was added to PM's mission in recognition that the site and its area are interdependent. Connecting historic preservation to community development also increases access to philanthropic dollars, because there are many more donors helping disadvantaged people than there are for disadvantaged sites. Consequently, historic preservation has increased, and restored historic sites are frequently adapted to new income-producing (often philanthropic) uses, which ensures that the restoration can be sustained in perpetuity.

PM is the statewide leader in this field. Its annual "Ten Most Endangered" List spotlights sites to be rescued, and thereby raises public awareness. Its "Action Teams" provide technical assistance to communities contemplating restorations. Its assistance to restoration projects—currently in Lawrence, Marlborough, Chelsea and Montague—make permanent contributions to those communities, something that very few non-profits can claim. We can help them immensely with general operating support.

(1998: CULTURE: Education: Informal: Historic Preservation)