Historical Commission

 Meeting Information

• 7:00 pm
• Tuesday Meetings Monthly
• Wilbraham Town Hall
  240 Springfield St.
  Wilbraham, MA 01095

Agendas & Minutes

View Town Committee Agendas  (Scroll down to Historical Commission)

Overview

In 1963 The Massachusetts Historical Commission was established by the legislature “to identify, evaluate, and protect important historical and archaeological assets of the Commonwealth.

Responsibilities

-Preserve, protect and develop historical and archaeological assets
-Report existence of archaeological, paleontological, historical sites and objects
-Conduct research for places of historic and archaeological value
-Communicate and cooperate with State Historic Commission Guidelines for research or surveys
-Coordinate activities with other committees or unofficial bodies for similar interest or purpose
-Provide or make recommendations to Board of Selectman related to above responsibilities
-Report to the state archaeologist existence of archaeological, paleontological findings or historical site discovered

History

In 1675, early Springfield Settlers bought land from the Indians in the east hilly area known as “The Outward Commons.” Approximately 10 years later, the land was divided among the “landed proprietors” of Springfield and in 1731, Nathanial Hitchcock and his family became the first settlers in Wilbraham on Main Street, south of the center village area.

 On June 15, 1763, the Fourth Precinct, in addition to a little more land from Springfield was “erected into a separate town by the name of Wilbraham with a population of about 400.”’

The Wilbraham Historic Commission is committed and dedicated to preserve our past rich history for future generations.  Projects completed by the Wilbraham Historic Commission include:

                    -Compilation and list of Properties of Historic Significance in Town of Wilbraha
                    -Installation and Placement of Historic Center Area Signs on Main Streets and Faculty and Springfield Street
                    -Installation of Old Historic Stone Markers on Upper Tinkham Road and First Church Meeting Site on Main Street
                    -Placement of Original Granite Markers on Upper Tinkham Road and Main Street in The Meeting House Gardens                                -Installation of Framed Archival Photo Prints of Old Wilbraham in Town Hall Conference Meeting Room

Wilbraham Historic Commission Preservation Endeavors

                    -Catalogue and update of archeological, paleontological and historical assets to the Town and Massachusetts                                Historic Commission
                    -Collaborative representation with The Wilbraham Atheneum Society of Wilbraham/safe storage of historic                                    artifacts
                    -Creation of Wilbraham Historic Commission web page updates 
                    -Placement of appropriate signage for Historic Areas of Landmarks/Structures
                    -Installation of Historic Sign Project for Significant Historic Properties/Structures and Landmarks
                    -Preservation and Restoration of Significant Historic Properties/Structures and Landmarks 
                    -Development of Preservation Plan for Town of Wilbraham Historic Properties

Wilbraham Historic Asset Inventory Access

                    -Wilbraham Public Library
                    -Wilbraham Atheneum Society/Local History Section/Meeting House Museum
                    -Wilbraham Town Hall
                    -Wilbraham & Monson Academy
                    - Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) Database
                    - Historical assets of Commonwealth, National Register of Historic Places nominations, State Register of Historic                                   Places listings and local historic district study reports

                      Https://maps.mhc-macris.net/
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Members