Charlestown Is Top Draw During Historic Preservation Month

Charlestown will be featured front and center during National Historic Preservation Month beginning May 1. Mayor Martin Walsh announced that the City of Boston will have a calendar of special events under the theme of “Buildings and Grounds.” The City will host a variety of tours, talks and exhibits that celebrate and promote Charlestown and Boston’s history, architecture, archaeology, and historic neighborhoods.

“Boston’s historic buildings and landscapes enrich our neighborhoods. They enhance the daily experiences of our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Walsh. “I hope residents and visitors alike will take advantage of all the excellent programming we’re offering this month.”

The month-long celebration will kick off in Charlestown on Saturday at 9 a.m. with the Charlestown Preservation Society (CPS) hosting a spring clean-up. The event will start at the Phipps Street Burying Ground and continue to Preservation Park. If necessary, a rain date is set for Saturday, May 10.

Then on Saturday at 11 a.m. the CPS will host a Charlestown archaeology walking tour. Sharing his vantage point as the City of Boston’s Archaeologist, Joe Bagley leads a walking tour through historic areas of significance where digging has recently occurred. A luncheon in the Training Field follows. Residents can meet Bagley at the Bunker Hill Memorial, Charlestown. A $15 donation is recommended.

On Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. CPS will host a digging in Charlestown’s Training Field where Bagley will present the most recent findings and answer questions about last summer’s dig. Snacks and coffee will be served. Residents can meet at the Bunker Hill Museum, 43 Monument Square, Charlestown for this free event.

Finally on Saturday, May 31 at 1:30 p.m. the CPS will host a walking tour of the Charlestown Navy Yard. Jack Glassman will lead architecture, history and preservation enthusiasts through the captivating stronghold offering expert insight to the many historically significant and charming spaces of the Charlestown Navy Yard. Residents can meet Glassman in the courtyard at 1 First Avenue, Charlestown.

“Boston’s buildings and grounds are inextricably linked,” said Nancy L. Girard, Commissioner of Environment. “Combined, they create a unique urban landscape that continues to be shaped by the City’s development and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

The Boston Landmarks Commission was established in 1975 to identify and protect historic buildings, structures, areas and sites, review development and demolition activities affecting older properties, provide public information and assistance related to preservation and archaeology, and provide staff support to the local Historic District Commissions. There are over 8,000 properties within local Historic Districts or designated as individual Boston Landmarks by the Commission. The City is pleased to partner with organizations across the City to offer a wide array of events focusing on Boston’s unique architectural and historic landscape heritage.

The full calendar of events for National Historic Preservation Month is available at: http://www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks/pdfs/2014_Preservation_Month.pdf.

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