The Historical Commission is concerned with the preservation, promotion and development of the City's historical assets.

Current members include:

Barbara Blumenthal, Chair
Christopher Kennedy
Kimball Howes
Tristram Metcalfe
David Drake
Norman Winston
Craig Della Penna
Bruce Kriviskey, Alternate

ROLE OF THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION


MISSION: Established by city ordinance in 1973, the charge to the Northampton Historical Commission (NHC) is the “preservation, promotion and development of the historical assets of the city”. in addition, the commission proffers advice and comment on municipal matters which are relevant to the commission’s mission as well as review projects which involve state or federal funds.


COMPOSITION: We are the municipal link to the Massachsetts Historical Commission at a state level and the Department of Interior at the federal level.

The commission often initiates or assists residents in evaluating their property for historical or cultural significance to ascertain if the property qualifiys for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or potentially landmark status.

The seven members and two alternates serve on an uncompensated basis, are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by city council vote.


MEETINGS: Meetings are held regularly in the evening of the last Monday of the month. A public comment period precedes each meeting and public involvement is invited.


PROPERTIES: Northampton has, on the National Register of Historic Places, six districts, six independent properties, three multiple property sites and two properties with historic deed restrictions. The Commission is presently undertaking the nomination process to place the Pomeroy Terrace Historic Area, Northampton-New Haven Canal site, Sojourner Truth homestead, and the Leeds, Water Street Hotal bridge to the National Register of Historic Places. Progress is subject to the availability of funds.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Each year, during Preservation Week in May, the Commission presents awards for restoration, rehabilitation, view scape and new construction projects that the Commission feels warrants recognition. Nominations are accepted from the public each year until March 15th.

The Commission presently is nvolved in a establishing a memorial for residents of the State hospital who were interred on the grounds in mass, unmarked graves; working with the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to refurbish the Victorian fountain from the State hospital as a memorial to former patients; complete the Downtown Florence Historical Survey and compile a registry of public monuments.


DEMOLITION REVIEW: Northampton is one of approximately 100 Baystate communities which have enacted a demolition delay ordinance through the Home Rule petition. Northampton’s demolition delay, termed a Demolition Review, is a prerequisite review process prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. The ordinance protects properties from total demolition up to twelve months from the initial demolition request if, in the view of the Commission, the property is historically significant and has architectural or cultural merit. The ordinance covers all properties built in 1900 and earlier. All properties constructed from 1901-1939 are currently covered; however, by April 2007 only properties specifically listed on an inventory compiled by the Commission will be protected. That list of subject properties from 1901-1939 will be online here and posted in the building commissioner’s office. For the ordinance in its entirety please see link (insert link). Any permits for demolition must be originated through the city’s building department.