Mayor Walsh and the Boston Landmarks Commission release calendar of events for national historic preservation month May 2015

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a calendar of special events for National Historic Preservation Month in May. This year’s theme, “Preservation Is ________,” invites the public to consider the people, places, and events that contribute to Boston’s unique character. Throughout the month, the city will host a wide array of programs celebrating its storied history.  These tours, talks and exhibits will also illustrate how historic resources in every neighborhood make today’s Boston a uniquely appealing place to live, work and visit.   

“After the challenges of this winter, Preservation Month invites us to get out and about to explore our city: its thriving historic neighborhoods, green spaces, vibrant entertainment, and shopping areas,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “I encourage all Boston residents and visitors to participate in the activities offered this Preservation Month across the city.”

The May 7th program will take place at the Bell in Hand Tavern, located on Boston’s historic Blackstone Block. In a richly illustrated talk entitled “Preservation Is All the Buzz,” scholar and journalist Stephanie Schorow will discuss the fascinating role of tavern culture in Boston’s political and social life, from Puritan days to the present. This program will also mark the second event in BLC XL, a special quarterly series being presented throughout 2015 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Boston Landmarks Commission. Reservation information for this free public event and the full calendar of Preservation Month activities is available online at www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks. 

In addition to the keynote, the knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff of the Boston Landmarks Commission staff will disperse across the city to host more than a dozen programs promoting the age-old but ever-popular places that give Boston its distinctive character. Every Tuesday in May, for example, a midday series of walking tours dubbed “Preservation Is U,” will feature historic properties under the stewardship of local educational institutions.   

The Boston Landmarks Commission is pleased to join with partners across the city in celebrating history’s role in our civic identity and the Landmark Commission’s 40th year serving its residents. The BLC’s Preservation Month Calendar is packed with more than 40 pages of activities and is available online and in print version from the Boston Landmarks Commission.

Established in 1975 to identify and protect Boston’s historic buildings, structures, areas and sites, the Boston Landmarks Commission is the City’s preservation planning agency.  It reviews development and demolition activities affecting older properties, delivers public information and assistance relating to preservation and archaeology, and provides professional support to the local Historic District Commissions.  There are today over 8,000 properties located within the city’s nine local Historic Districts or designated as individual Boston Landmarks by the Commission.