The Rochester Historical Commission is pleased to announce a voluntary Historic Structure plaque program to recognize the rich historic and architectural history of our town and the people who lived here. Hopefully, these plaques will enhance the appearance of our town’s older properties and provide information about and pride in them. These plaques will help tell our shared history and stimulate an interest and appreciation of the diversity of architectural styles in our town. They will be a fitting way to recognize the historical and architectural heritage of Rochester.
A property will qualify if it can meet two of the following criteria:
Age: The structure is of an advanced age (usually built prior to 1970) and retains significant original character and design.
Event: Structures associated with an historic event of local, regional or national significance.
People: Structures associated with the life of a person or group who made a notable contribution to history. If the original owner cannot be verified, a subsequent owner of historic significance may be listed.
Style: A structure with distinctive characteristics of architectural or construction type.
Cultural Landscape/Archeology: A former structure that contributed to the understanding of our local history of record such as a farm or business.
Plaques will not restrict owners from making changes to their property. The plaques are decorative and informational only. The plaque is a medium density overlay (MDO) waterproof signboard, finished with three coats of special sign painters’ oil-based primer and a white enamel topcoat with black antique lettering. Holes are predrilled and include stainless steel screws for mounting.
The plaques are 12-inches high and 16-inches wide. RHC asks that plaques be attached to the front facade of the house and visible from the street, if possible.
Homeowners may ascertain information about their properties by consulting the following sources:
The Survey of Historical and Architectural Resources, 4 volumes organized into areas and streets which can be found at the Plumb Library, Town Hall and the Rochester Historical Society or online from the Massachusetts Historical Commission database (http://mhc-macris.net) or historic maps on the RHC website. Owners will then complete an application form found on the RHC portion of the town website and send it to the Rochester Historical Commission, 1 Constitution Way, Rochester with a check for $75.00 made out to Oulde Colony Artisans. The Rochester Historical Commission will review the applications at its scheduled monthly meeting. Any changes will be discussed with owners prior to submission to sign maker.