What is the role of the Historical Commission?

The Historical Commission was created under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 8D for the preservation, protection and development of the historical or archeological assets of such city or town.  Among its statutory duties, the Commission shall conduct researches for places of historic or archeological value, shall cooperate with the state archeologist in conducting such researches 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.