Mayor Walsh and Boston Landmarks Commission release calendar of events for national historic preservation month

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a calendar of special events for National Historic Preservation Month this May under the theme of "Buildings and Grounds." The City will host a variety of tours, talks and exhibits that celebrate and promote Boston’s history, architecture, archaeology, and historic neighborhoods. The full calendar of events for National Historic Preservation Month is available at: http://www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks/pdfs/2014_Preservation_Month.pdf.

"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."

On Thursday, May 1, Mayor Walsh will host a keynote event to kick off National Historic Preservation Month. The event will take place at the historic Taj Boston Hotel, overlooking the Public Garden. The event will feature a lecture entitled "Mated for Life: Boston and the Swan Boats," presented by Lyn Paget, the fourth generation of Boston's Swan Boats operators. Paget will share how her great-grandparents introduced the Swan Boats to the Public Garden in 1877, and discuss the origins of the now-familiar swan imagery, relate interesting facts and anecdotes, explain how the vessels are operated and maintained, and offer her unique perspective on a historic Boston icon. The event is co-sponsored by the City of Boston's Department of Parks & Recreation, Friends of the Public Garden, the Back Bay Association, Taj Boston, and The Swan Boats of Boston. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Interested attendees can email tonya.loveday@boston.gov to pre-register.

In addition to hosting a keynote program, the staff of the Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) will offer free walking tours and presentations in all nine local historic districts in the City. Offerings include tours and events in Charlestown, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Fort Point, and the South End. BLC staff will also host a special midday tour series titled "Tour de Grounds," featuring stops at coffee houses downtown and in historic districts throughout the City. 

"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 BLC’s Preservation Month Calendar has more than 60 pages of activities, and is also available in print version from the Boston Landmarks Commission.