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Walpole Historical Commission

The Walpole Historical Commission (WHC), established by the Board of Selectmen in 1970 under the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Chapter 40, Section 8D, is the official advocate for the preservation, protection and development of the Town of Walpole’s historical and archaeological assets. Per MGL Chapter 40 Section 8D, it may also seek to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes.

The Commission meetings are held in the Town Hall as frequently as necessary but not less than six times annually. Meeting times and dates may vary. They will be posted 48 hours in advanced on the bulletin board at the Town Hall, as well as on the Walpole Historical Commission web page. The meetings are open to the public.

The Commission deals with a variety of local issues which affect scenic roads, historic buildings and structures, archeological resources and other historical assets.

It sometimes receives inquiries from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, or state or federal agencies asking for comments on proposed state or federally involved projects in the Town of Walpole. These projects may impact historical or archaeological resources. Other groups have interacted with the Commission, including utility and telecommunications companies.

The Commission has also been involved with conducting inventories of historical properties in the Town. A Communitywide Historical Properties Survey, funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and an anonymous local resident, was conducted in 2008. Members of the Commission were consulted during the survey process.

The Commission at times has vacancies for both regular and associate member positions. Applicants should have demonstrated abilities advocating for local historical assets and history, preferably of the New England area.

Interested parties should contact the chairman. All applications for membership require approval by the Walpole Board of Selectmen.

Commissioners

Michael E. Amaral, Chairman
508-668-2437

Regular Members

Jackie Huckle

Patricia Travers

Roger Turner
508-668-2237

Emily Conrad, Secretary
508-668-6926


Next Meeting of the Commission

Special Meeting May 12, 2012 - 9:30 AM at the Deacon Willard Lewis House

Regular Meeting May 12, 2012 - 10:15 AM at the Deacon Willard Lewis House


Demolition Delay Bylaw of the Town of Walpole

At times, the Commission interacts with the Walpole Building Inspector via the Demolition Delay By Law of the Town of Walpole.

This bylaw exists for the purpose of protecting and preserving significant buildings and/or structures and aesthetic resources within the Town. It is a tool by which the Town may use to encourage owners of buildings or structures that may be demolished to find alternatives to the demolition, thereby preserving the cultural heritage of the town.

Click on Chapter 349 to access full demolition delay bylaw in detail. A complete listing of codes is found at Walpole Code Online

Vital links in your search on information about local historical assets:
Photos of Historical Homes
Other Historical Area Photos

Civil War Anniversary

Walpole Historical Commission and Walpole Historical Society Collaborate on Civil War Sesquicentennial
History Groups Planning Anniversary
Civil War Tablets

Civil War Tablets

 

In Memoriam, Private Lowell E. Hartshorn Co. A, Massachusetts 56th Veteran Volunteers Of Walpole, Massachusetts

Hartshorn Memorial