Greenfield's rich and productive meadows along the Green River drew sons of Deerfield settlers here in the late 1600's. As in the first Connecticut Valley settlements, a long Green River Street was laid out in house lots granted to the proprietors along with acreages in the Meadows. By 1700 grist and sawmills appeared on the Green River and after 1800 the village became a trading outlet for the Connecticut River port at Cheapside. With the coming of railroads in the mid 1800s, Greenfield turned away from the river trade and began its growth into Franklin County's largest town and county seat fueled by inventive and entrepreneurial machinists and managers. Today its energetic population, architecturally rich downtown, scenic location and green neighborhoods shape a community based in this rich heritage of landscape and buildings.
The Commission is authorized by Greenfield's legislative acceptance of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 8d, on the premise that preservation is primarily a local concern. Under the law, its duties include:
- Creation and maintenance of a comprehensive inventory of historic and cultural resources: (including buildings, structures, sites, landscapes and areas) over 50 years old,
- Advocacy, planning and cooperation with others for consideration of preservation goals during long range planning and permitting activity,
- Cooperation with the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer at the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
The Commission also may hold articles of cultural importance and initiate other activities related to its responsibilities.
Read the 2008-09 Annual Report.
Appointed by the Mayor to three year, rotating terms:
Peter S. Miller
Carolyn McLellan
Randall Hansis
Donald Pearson, vice chair
Marcia Starkey, chair
Lindley Wilson, vice chair
The first Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm at 114 Main Street, Greenfield. Special meeting are held when necessary and posted in the Town Hall.
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