Page 115 - Middleborough 2024 Town Report

HISTORICALCommission
The Middleborough Historical Commission is an all-volunteer body
appointed by the Town Manager, tasked with the protection,
preservation, and development of the town’s historical, cultural, and
archaeological resources. Throughout 2024, the Commission worked
diligently to advance these objectives, expand its initiatives, and ensure
Middleborough’s rich history remains accessible to the public.
Public Access to History
Preservation Initiatives
In 2024 the Historical Commission continued to
enhance its online presence, further developing its
website, now in its second year. The website serves as a
key platform for sharing information about the town’s
history, the Commission’s role, and available public
resources. Additionally, the Commission launched a
Facebook page to complement the website’s eforts.
Although in its early stages, this social media presence
is intended to engage the community by sharing
updates on preservation initiatives, historical insights,
and upcoming meetings. By expanding these digital
platforms, the Commission aims to deepen
connections with residents and improve public access
to historical resources.
The Commission remains engaged in discussions
regarding the town’s historic cemeteries, whether
town-owned or under town stewardship, with the goal
of ensuring responsible long-term preservation and
management.
One of the Commission’s most significant new
undertakings has been the launch of an Oral History
Project in collaboration with MCAM. This partnership
enables the Commission to conduct interviews with
residents on a variety of topics and their personal
recollections of Middleborough’s past. This ongoing
project aims to capture and preserve the town’s history
with the hope of sharing it in a public manner in the
near future.
The Commission also actively participated in public
events such as the Herring Run Festival and provided
input on various town projects, including the RFP
process and selection of a lessee for the Pierce Building
(former Police Station), the Department of Public
Works (DPW) project, and ongoing plans for the new
Middleborough Gas & Electric Division (MGED)
building. Additionally, the Commission responded to
numerous inquiries from residents regarding historical
preservation. The growing public interest in
preservation eforts and local history has been
encouraging and reafirms the importance of the
Commission’s work.
The Commission conducted numerous site visits in
response to demolition permit requests, under the
Structure Demolition ByLaw, documenting properties
through historical research and photography. These
eforts contribute to the town’s historical record,
ensuring that significant stories and architectural
details are not lost to time. Similarly, the Commission
responded to many invitations for conversation in
regard to historic town-owned property as well as
resident’s properties, in regard to various aspects of
preservation planning.
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