Historic Resources Surveys

The Ayer Historical Commission has completed two historic resources surveys in town.  The surveys document the architecture and history of older buildings and structures in town.  Collecting this information provides a record of buildings significant to the history of Ayer before they are gone.  It also helps guide preservation and planning efforts.  Knowing the historical significance of buildings is vital before deciding what is worth preserving.

The first survey was completed in 2007.  It collected information on 114 structures and landscapes.  The second survey, completed in 2022, added information on another 146 structures and landscapes.   The information collected is stored on a database maintained by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.  A copy of each survey is also available at the Ayer Library.

The database may be viewed here.  

Summary reports for each survey are available:        2007   2022

In 2006, the Town of Ayer participated in a heritage landscape inventory sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Freedom’s Way Heritage Association.  That survey report is available here.

For more information, please contact the Ayer Historical Commission through the town website, or call the Town Manager’s office at (978)772-8220.  

The subject projects of this web page have been financed in part through the Community Preservation Act and with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Massachusetts Historical Commission, Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin, Chairman.  However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, or the Massachusetts Historical Commission, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior or the Massachusetts Historical Commission.