Landmarks Commission reference library

The Boston Landmarks Commission, established by Chapter 772 of the Acts of 1975, is the city’s historic preservation agency. The Commission is responsible under state law for: architectural surveys of all the city’s neighborhoods, relating each community’s history as recorded by its building and sites; public education on architecture and historic preservation, including publications and exhibitions; and designation of landmarks and several categories of historic districts within the city through a process involving the preparation of technical study reports and public hearings. The result is a review process for changes to designated properties within limits set at the time of designation. In 1983 the Landmarks Commission began an archaeology program which became the City Archaeology Program. The Program manages archaeological remains located on public and private land in Boston.