Project Announcement, November 2023

Good news! The Town of Concord and Concord Historical Commission are embarking on a year-long planning process to develop a community-wide Historic Preservation Plan for the 21st century. The Concord Historic Districts Commission will be a key partner. 

The plan will support the integrated, cross-disciplinary approach of Concord's community plan Envision Concord, Bridge to 2030 (2018) as well as national goals of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission which is "charged with orchestrating the largest and most inclusive observance in our nation's history" in 2025 and 2026.

In the two decades since the last plan was written, dramatic societal and environmental changes helped reshape the approach to and practice of preservation. National preservation priorities include: 1) expanding the narrative to reflect a more complete and inclusive American story relevant to all; 2) supporting sustainability while preparing for and responding to climate change and extreme weather events; 3) addressing the housing crisis; and 4) encouraging economic vitality in the wake of the global pandemic. 

We are so pleased to be working with Heritage Strategies, LLC, a preservation consulting firm that has developed plans for National Heritage Areas, World Heritage Sites and historic communities across the country. Nearby, they have worked with Freedom's Way National Heritage Area and the Towns of Sudbury, Lenox, Falmouth and others. 

Beginning with background research in November 2023, the project will include four phases. Look forward to community and stakeholder outreach in early 2024, followed by recommendations and a final report in late 2024.

For more information, see the grant application, RFQ, and Heritage Strategies proposal. 

Many thanks to the Concord Community Preservation Committee and the Massachusetts Historical Commission for supporting this project!