Background
A City or Town which accepts this section may establish a Historical Commission, hereinafter called the Commission, for the preservation, protection, and development of the historical or archeological assets of such City or Town. Such Commission shall conduct research for places of historic or archeological value, shall cooperate with the State Archeologist in conducting such research or other surveys, and shall seek to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans, and pamphlets which it deems necessary for its work. For the purpose of protecting and preserving such places, it may make such recommendations as it deems necessary to the City Council or the Selectmen and, subject to the approval of the City Council or the Selectmen, to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, that any such place be certified as a historical or archeological landmark.
The Historical Commission was established in July 1969, when the town voted at the 1969 Annual Town Meeting to accept the provisions of MGL c. 40, Section 8D, Establishment of Historical Commission.