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March Meeting Materials

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March has arrived “in like a lion,” and this year the weather seems determined to prove the old saying true. It’s shaping up to be another active month for the Medford Historical Commission as we prepare for our meeting on Monday, March 9. This month’s agenda reflects the wide range of preservation work underway across Medford, Massachusetts: from new demolition review applications and ongoing delay cases to updates on archaeological investigations, Community Preservation Act projects, and citywide historic resource surveys. As always, the Commission will review several properties that may have historical significance while continuing its long-term work documenting, preserving, and better understanding Medford’s historic places.

March 9, 2026 Meeting AgendaDownload

Demolition Review Applications:
Our meeting will begin with receiving several new applications as part of the City’s demolition review process. These initial hearings allow the Commission to determine whether a building meets the criteria for historical significance under the City’s demolition delay ordinance.

226 Main Street:
The Commission will receive an application for the demolition of a twentieth-century residential dwelling.This building is part of the Brooks Park Area and is mentioned briefly in the MHC Form A. We will determine historical significance, the first step in determining whether further review may be warranted.

MHC Form A – Brooks PlaceDownload

10 Whittemore Avenue:
We have received an application for the partial demolition of a twentieth-century residential resource that will be altered beyond recognition. The Commission hired a consultant to prepare an MHC Form B for the property. We will likewise determine significance for this property.

10 Whittemore – MHC Form BDownload

1-3 Vassar Street and 12-14 Wellesley Street:
Applications have been filed for the partial demolition of 1-3 Vassar Street and 12-14 Wellesley Street. Both propose significant changes to the roof plane and are applicable for demolition review. We will accept their applications and have MHC Form B prepared for each property.

Medford continues to see development pressure in many neighborhoods. These reviews play an important role in ensuring that historically important structures are thoughtfully considered before demolition proceeds.

Medford High School – Section 106 Review
The Commission has been asked to determine the historical significance of the Medford High School Complex at 489 Winthrop Street in West Medford. The City of Medford is investigating whether a new school should be constructed on the site or the existing building be renovated or selectively replaced. The Commission is afforded review under the Section 106 consultation process.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires state or federal agencies to consider the effects of state or federally funded or permitted projects on historic resources. This review provides an opportunity for the Commission to comment on potential impacts and help ensure that historic preservation concerns are part of the broader planning process. The Commission has requested information for the creation of an MHC Form B so we may determine significance in the future.

Project Updates:

The Commission will continue with a full range of project updates. We have many important things to share and we’ll offer highlights here.

Commission Membership:
We’re still looking for members to fill vacancies. Maintaining a full board is important to support the growing volume of preservation work across the city. If you’re interested in joining, please reach out to us.

Properties Under Demolition Delay:
The Commission will check in with updates on properties currently under demolition delay, including 41 Mystic Avenue and 36 Mystic Street. These delay periods provide time for property owners, preservation advocates, and the community to explore alternatives that may allow historically significant buildings to be preserved or incorporated into redevelopment plans.

Annual Report:
Commissioners will review a draft of the Commission’s upcoming annual report, which summarizes the organization’s work over the past year. The report highlights preservation efforts, ongoing initiatives, and the many projects reviewed by the Commission.

Brooks Estate Archaeological Survey:
We have awarded the archaeological survey work to SWCA Environmental Consultants. This investigation will help deepen our understanding of the landscape’s long history and many layers of activity that shaped this important place.

Community Preservation Act Projects:
The Commission will receive updates on several preservation initiatives funded through the Community Preservation Act, including ongoing work at Thomas Brooks Park and conservation efforts at Cross Street Cemetery. These projects represent important investments in the preservation of Medford’s historic landscapes and burial grounds. Be sure to look for more information about these projects on their dedicated pages accessible from our home page.

Hastings Heights Historic Resource Survey:
Finally, the Commission will hear updates on ongoing historic resource work in the Hastings Heights development in West Medford. These surveys document historic buildings and landscapes throughout the city and form the foundation for informed preservation planning.

As this lengthy post demonstrates, preservation in Medford is an ongoing process that involves careful research, review, and collaboration with property owners, city staff, and the broader community. The Commission encourages residents to stay engaged with this work—whether by attending meetings, following project updates, or sharing information about historic properties in their neighborhoods. We look forward to continuing these conversations and reporting on the progress of these efforts in the months ahead.

Volunteers Needed: Artifact Cleaning and Cataloging Day

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A Brush With History: Thomas Brooks Park Artifact Cleaning & Cataloging Day

Location: Medford Public Library at 111 High Street
Date & Time: Monday, March 30, 2026, from 9AM – 5PM

Registration is Required: Email—HistoricalCommission@medford-ma.gov

Join the Medford Historical Commission and SWCA archaeologists  for a hands on day experiencing the history uncovered at Thomas Brooks Park.

We’re looking for 8-10 volunteers to roll up their sleeves and help gently clean, sort, and catalogue artifacts. No experience necessary, just curiosity and an interest in Medford’s past. All volunteers will work alongside professional archaeologists.

This is a great opportunity to connect with one of our historic landscapes and to learn first hand how the Historical Commission preserves our community’s past.

Volunteers will get to see fragments of a bowl featuring the “King’s Rose” decoration, as seen in this complete example from the collection of Old Sturbridge Village.

February Meeting Materials

/ Ryan D. Hayward

Winter constantly reminds us that it still has plenty of authority in New England. The recent snowfall blanketed streets, roofs, and vehicles across Medford, giving the city a look that residents of earlier centuries would have recognized immediately. Heavy snows have long shaped life in Massachusetts. Colonial records describe winters when roads vanished and travel halted for days at a time. Most famously, the Great Snow of 1717 brought repeat storms in March, resulting in snow drifts that reached second story windows in houses. While this week’s snow has been far less dramatic, it serves as a reminder that winter weather has always been part of the region’s story and it could stick with us as late as April (remember that April Fools Storm?).

We will hold our next public meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Our agenda has been posted, and the meeting materials follow. We are meeting remotely via Zoom. Members of the public are welcome to attend, observe, and participate where appropriate.

February 9, 2026 Meeting AgendaDownload

Public Hearing – 36 Mystic Street:

Our evening will commence with a public hearing for 36 Mystic Street. The Commission will consider whether the building should be designated as preferably preserved.

The hearing will begin with a brief explanation of the demolition review process and the role of the Historical Commission in determining significance and preservation status. Commissioners will review the building’s previously established historical significance and discuss how it fits within the city’s demolition delay ordinance.

Following the presentation, the Commission will open the floor for comments. Commissioners will speak first, followed by members of the public who wish to provide input. Written comments may also be submitted before or during the hearing.

After the discussion concludes, the Commission will revisit its motion and vote on whether the building should be considered preferably preserved. The hearing will then conclude with a summary of the next steps.

36 Mystic Street – MHC Form BDownload

Determination of Significance:
The Commission will continue its regular public meeting agenda. We will review two properties for a determination of significance.

17 Sharon Street:
The house at 17 Sharon Street in Medford, known historically as the Gooch Tenant House, was built between about 1872 and 1889 by local builder Joseph L. Gooch as part of the subdivision of the former Smith Estate in West Medford. The modest story-and-a-half end-house reflects late-19th-century residential development tied to the growth of railroad suburbs. Although later alterations such as vinyl siding and window changes have obscured some architectural details, the building retains its original form and setting within a dense historic neighborhood. Historically it functioned largely as a rental property, housing working-class tenants connected to local trades and industries.

17 Sharon Street – MHC Form BDownload

85 Marshall Street:
The Edward W. and Ella L. Amory Wall House at 85 Marshall Street in Medford was built between 1886 and 1889 as a modest Italianate-style end house typical of late-19th-century suburban development. It was constructed for blacksmith Edward W. Wall, a Canadian immigrant, who lived there with his family and owned the property until 1947. Wall also developed additional nearby houses on the same parcel, helping shape the surrounding residential streetscape. The property sits on land historically connected to holdings of the Adams family, including John Quincy Adams, linking the site to earlier patterns of land ownership in the Hillside neighborhood.

85 Marshall Street – MHC Form BDownload

Old Business and Project Updates:
The remainder of the meeting will include updates on several ongoing initiatives and preservation efforts across the city, including:
– Properties currently under demolition delay.
– Progress on our Annual Report.
– Update on the Brooks Estate Archaeological Survey.
-CPC Projects
– Work at Cross Street Cemetery
– Ongoing Historic Survey Work in Hastings Heights

Point of Rocks in West Medford. Constructed in 1859, the house once stood in the Brooks Estate. It has since been demolished.

Residents are always encouraged to attend our meetings or submit comments for the record. Community participation is an important part of the demolition review process and helps ensure that Medford’s historic resources are fully considered.

January Meeting Materials

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The Medford Historical Commission will host its first meeting of the New Year on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:00PM. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom to provide the most flexible form of participation. Our agenda is online and is summarized with meeting materials below.

January 12, 2026 Meeting AgendaDownload

Demolition Review Applications:
Our meeting will begin with a determination of significance, followed by receiving two demolition applications.

36 Mystic Street:
An application for the partial demolition of 36 Mystic Street has been received. The Commission will review the information submitted and determine if the building meets the criteria for significance.

36 Mystic Street – MHC Form BDownload

17 Sharon Street:
The Commission will receive a demolition application for 17 Sharon Street. Materials associated with the application will be reviewed and the property will be discussed as part of the Commission’s demolition review process. The determination of significance shall be next month.

85 Marshall Street:
The Commission will receive a demolition application for 85 Marshall Street. Materials associated with the application will be reviewed, and the property will be discussed as part of the Commission’s demolition review process. The determination of significance shall be next month.

Old Business:
The Commission will then have a series of updates summarized under our old business categories. We are really active already in the New Year and are looking forward to moving many of our longstanding projects toward fruition. We hope to see you soon and wish you all the best in 2026.

October Hearing Materials

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Good morning! The Historical Commission will be at Thomas Brooks Park this morning working with the team from SWCA consultants on a second archaeological dig. Tonight, we have a hearing and will determine significance on two buildings.

October Hearing AgendaDownload

41 Mystic Avenue – Public Hearing
The Commission will take comments on if the demolition of 41 Mystic Avenue is detrimental to the historical or cultural assets of the City of Medford. The building is an 18th century structure moved in the late 19th century for Governor’s Avenue. The building is importantly associated with the Hall Family of Medford. Benjamin Hall was a noted rum distiller whose ships were actively involved in the Atlantic Triangle Trade. Beyond this, Hall’s brother-in-law was Timothy Fitch, a slave trader. The building also has some interesting history regarding its current location on Mystic Ave, the former Medford Turnpike. You can read all about that in the enclosed MHC Form B and extension form.

41 Mystic Ave – MHC Form BDownload
Continuation Sheet – 41 Mystic AvenueDownload

58 Myrtle Street – Determination of Significance
The Commission will determine if 58 Myrtle Street is significant. The building is a mid-19th-century structure that was likely part of the development laid out by Horatio Williams. The neighborhood consists of uniform gable-end houses that closely abut the street. The area was once known as Williamsburg for its connection to Williams, but the name has given way to Glenwood, which was the name of the nearby depot on Spring Street at the corner of Myrtle.

58 Myrtle – MHC Form BDownload

231 Park Street – Determination of Significance
The Commission will last take an application for the demolition of 231 Park Street. This mid-19th-century building is similar to Myrtle in many ways. It was documented during the East Medford Survey Project and is one of 3000 or so pre-1900 homes remaining city-wide.

231 Park Street – MHC Form BDownload

As always, comments are welcome by emailing the Historical Commission ahead of tonight’s meeting. We look forward to seeing you there!

October Meeting Materials

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Salutations and greetings on this fine fall day! The Medford Historical Commission has an early meeting on October 6, 2025. The agenda is included below so you can follow along. Meeting materials that the Commission will review are available further down in this post.

October 6, 2025 Meeting AgendaDownload

10 Irving Street – Public Hearing
The Commission will hold a public hearing to determine if the demolition of 10 Irving Street would be detrimental to the historic resources of the City of Medford. We do so by determining if the building is preferably preserved. This structure is Italianate in nature. Its large form suggests it is an earlier building that was moved to the site. The Commission will review the information in the Form B and hear public comments to determine if the building is preferably preserved.

10 Irving Street – MHC Form BDownload

41 Mystic Avenue – Determination of Significance
An application for demolition has been received for 41 Mystic Avenue. We will review the building for significance. The Benjamin and Hepzibah Jones Hall House was surveyed as part of the Medford Square South Project. This building is one of twelve surviving eighteenth-century buildings remaining in the City.

41 Mystic Avenue – MHC Form BDownload

121 Second Street – Determination of Significance
An application for demolition has been received for 121 Second Street. The Commission will review the information in the MHC Form B and determine significance. This is an early 20th century resource with some surviving original details. The building is slated for total demolition to be replaced by a duplex.

121 Second Street – MHC Form BDownload

Upcoming Demolition Reviews:
Although they did not make it to the agenda in time, there are two applications that will be received by the Commission. The first is 6 Hobbs Road, which proposes major renovations to a 20th-century residence in West Medford. The other is 58 Myrtle Street, which is being remodeled extensively to the point where the original structure will no longer be distinguishable.

Old Business:

The Commission will continue its meeting with the various monthly updates on projects underway.

Vacancies: We are still looking for new members. Please reach out to us if you are interested in serving on our board.
Historic District Commission Updates: Nothing at this time.
Properties Under Delay: No update at this time.
Form Bs: We received the Form B back from consultant John Clemson for the Kappy’s Building. We always try to share this information so that it is useful during planning discussions.

10 Revere Beach Parkway – MHC Form BDownload

Thomas Brooks Park
We’re pleased to announce we’re looking for volunteers for a second dig planned this fall. See our announcement for more information. With that underway, we can turn our attention to bidding the tree work. We secured a large amount of money to prune many of the historic trees in the park. We are looking to partner with the Planning Department, Parks, and DPW to collaborate efforts to make the green canopy safe. Work will happen in the winter when the vegetation is gone so any deadwood can be seen and removed. This is a pruning exercise and removal of the dead trees. We are hoping to replant a handful of the native trees in the spring. Once that major task is bid, we will return to looking at the sidewalks and crosswalks with the DPW and Engineering.

Hastings Heights Survey:
The Survey and Planning Project has gone out to bid. Procurement will release the documents on Monday, and responses are due in early November. If the City can turn around a contract quickly, work can begin in mid-November and extend through September of next year.

We will end our meeting with the approval of meeting minutes. As always, if you have questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email us!

Volunteers Wanted for Archaeological Dig 2.0

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The Medford Historical Commission is looking for adventurous volunteers to help with the archaeological dig planned at Thomas Brooks Park!

Thomas Brooks Park is a landscape of deep cultural significance. It weaves together Medford’s local history, the legacy of slavery in New England, and the presence of Native American heritage—all preserved within this historic site. The current archaeological excavation is being conducted as part of due diligence in preparation for planned preservation and protection efforts. Please note that all unauthorized digging, metal detecting, or artifact collecting is strictly prohibited.

Unearth hidden stories from Medford’s past as you roll up your sleeves, dig into history, and help uncover artifacts that haven’t seen daylight in centuries. No experience is required – just curiosity, enthusiasm, and a readiness for discovery.  Here are some of the early details:

🗓 When: The end of October or early November. We will post the specific days as we get closer.
⏰ Schedule: Volunteers will come for one full day, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (includes a 30-minute lunch break). We can have up to 6 volunteers per day.
📋 Orientation: All volunteers must attend a 1-hour orientation on a date in advance of the dig.

Volunteers must be 18 or older to participate. If you can’t make it to the dig itself, we’ll post about lab work (cleaning and cataloging what is recovered).

☀️ Rain or shine, the dig goes on!

No need to bring equipment — just wear sturdy, closed-toed boots or shoes with ankle support. (Sorry, no flip-flops!) You may bring your own gardening gloves and knee pads if you’d like. Be sure to pack your own lunch and water for the day.

Ready to make history?
📧 Email the Medford Historical Commission at historicalcommission@medford-ma.gov with your name, availability, and best contact method to be added to the list.

Commission Seeks New Members

/ Ryan D. Hayward

The Medford Historical Commission seeks individuals within the Medford community to serve on our board. The all-volunteer appointed body is a champion for preserving and protecting the City’s historic character and heritage. Its members are residents with a diverse range of expertise and skills. We are seeking multiple new members to fill vacancies.

Our board was established in 1974 under Section 8d of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws and Chapter 48 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Medford. The Commission is charged with identifying historic assets and is the principal advisor to the City on matters relating to historic preservation. The body additionally reviews requests for demolition of buildings 75 years or older, or listed on the National or Massachusetts Register of Historic Places, as defined by our demolition delay ordinance.

Commission members are expected to attend a monthly meeting. There is occasional follow-up work to support various preservation-focused projects. Prospective candidates are encouraged to attend our meeting to understand what we do.

Applicants should have an interest, knowledge, and experience in any field related to historic preservation, law, archaeology, architectural history, and/or Medford history. Please provide a one-page introductory letter and resume. Selected individuals will be contacted for an interview. The Commission shall present a list of nominees to the mayor for final selection. Those chosen are appointed for up to three-year terms.

Please submit letters & materials to:

Ryan D. Hayward

Commission Vice-Chair

Email:

HistoricalCommission@Medford-MA.gov

January Meeting Materials

/ Ryan D. Hayward

Happy New Year to all those who follow the activities of the Historical Commission. We have a lot to get through this particular meeting. Within this post, you will find all the materials needed to follow along with our reviews and determinations. You can find the agenda by clicking the link below.

January 13, 2025 Meeting AgendaDownload

140 Summer Street: The Commission will determine the significance of 140 Summer Street, a 19th-century dwelling with an unusual history. The house also has a carriage house or barn tucked in the rear of the lot. We had an MHC Form B prepared for this property and it is available by clicking the link below.

140 Summer Street MHC Form BDownload

Front View of Wilson Street. Note the house is labeled 39 but the tax record uses parcel number 31.
31 Wilson Street: This twentieth-century dwelling is located in the center of a large lot in Fulton Heights. The owners have applied for demolition with the intent of building a new house. The building maintains a fair amount of its historic fabric. We will be reviewing the building for significance based on the MHC inventory form prepared by John Clemson.

31 Wilson Street MHC Form BDownload

4 Grove Street: The Commission is reviewing this project for unauthorized demolition beyond the approved permit. The process will start by reviewing significance. The Commission will review based on preconstruction/demolition conditions as is always the case with unauthorized demolitions.

4 Grove Street MHC Form BDownload

26 Rockwell Avenue: Tucked away at the end of Rockwell Avenue is an unusual cinder block dwelling. These buildings are rare in the built landscape and the Commission is documenting the structure with an MHC inventory form in advance of receiving the demolition application. The owners will file the plans at Monday’s meeting.

76 Court Street: The Commission is reviewing this project for demolition beyond the approved permit. The process will receive the demolition application while we await the preparation of an MHC inventory form. We will determine significance next month.

76 Court Street following unauthorized demolition. The Commission will receive an application for review.

Normal Updates:

As is usual practice, the Commission will have regular updates for our projects at the end of our meeting. These include completion discussion of the Cross Street Cemetery stone assessment, an excavation project, and various survey and planning projects.

As always, we welcome comments ahead of review. If you have a chance to provide comments, please feel free to email them to us and we will enter them into the record with the applications for review.

Hope to see you there!

November Meeting Materials

/ Ryan D. Hayward

The leaves are falling, the air is cooling and it’s late fall. The November meeting of the Historical Commission looks to have a lot of little updates for various projects. Some are done, others wrapping up, some just getting started and lots more in progress. Here’s some of the highlights of our agenda, which can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

November Meeting AgendaDownload

110 Brooks Street – Revised Design
The Commission’s demolition delay subcommittee worked with the owners to prepare revised plans that seek to mitigate the partial demolition of the significant and preferably preserved residential dwelling. Their design can be seen by

110Brooks_RevisedDesign_20241030Download

Section 106 Review – 20 Harvard Street
The Commission will review the addition of cell towers to the top of this existing building.

Preservation Ordinance Discussion
The Commission recently became aware of an ordinance in Reading that allows for some flexibility in granting variances when historic preservation is on the table. The Commission will review the existing language and see if it would be worthwhile to bring this to the attention of the Zoning and Community Development Boards. Together with the Department of Planning, Development, and Sustainability, we could collaborate to bring another tool to the table that will save our historic resources.

Regular Updates and Minutes
We will finish the meeting with a series of regular updates that include various projects. Be sure to tune in to learn more about all the happenings!