Historical Commission Historical Building Plaque Program
The Rochester Historical Commission is pleased to announce a voluntary Historic structure plaque program to recognize the rich historic and architectural history of our town and the people here. Hopefully, these plaques will enhance the appearance of our town’s older properties and provide information about and interest in them. These plaques will help tell our shared history and stimulate an interest and appreciation of the diversity of architectural styles in our town. They will be a fitting way to recognize the historical and architectural heritage of Rochester.
A property will qualify if it can meet two of the following criteria:
AGE: The structure is of an advanced age (usually built prior to 1970) and retains significant original character and design.
EVENT: Structures associated with an historic event of local, regional or national significance.
PEOPLE: Structures associated with the life of a person or group who have made a notable contribution to history. If the original owner cannot be verified, a subsequent owner of historic significance may be listed.
STYLE: A structure with distinctive characteristics of architectural or construction type.
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE/ARCHEOLOGY: A former structure that contributed to the understanding of our local prehistory or history of record such as a farm or business.
Plaques will not restrict owners from making changes to their property. The plaques are decorative and informational only.
The plaque is a ½ inch PVC that won’t peel or delaminate. Holes are predrilled and the lettering is high performance black vinyl of the type used in harsh marine conditions. RHC asks that plaques be attached to the front facade of the house and are visible from the street, if possible.
Homeowners may ascertain information about their properties by consulting the following sources.
The Survey of Historical and Architectural Resources, 4 volumes organized into areas and streets. These are located at the Plumb Memorial Library, Town Hall and the Rochester Historical Society. Online from the Massachusetts Historical Commission database (http://mhc-macris.net)
Historic maps on the RHC website and at the Rochester Historical Society Museum
Owners will then complete the application and send to Rochester Historical Commission 1 Constitution Way, Rochester 02770. Include a check made out to Impact Expressions for $70.00. The Rochester Historical Commission will review the applications at its scheduled meetings. Any changes will be discussed with owners prior to submission to the sign maker.
We are excited to launch this program and hope it instills an interest in and appreciation for Rochester history. The application is available on the town website under Historical Commission.