Historical Commission

Meetings

6 p.m.
Fourth Monday of each month
Meetings first 15 minutes devoted to public participation.
City Hall
59 Court Street
Westfield, MA 01085

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings.

Most Recent Agenda | View All Agendas & Minutes

Members

Name	Contact	Term	Position
Nicholas Aieta	Email	02/17/22 - 02/01/25
Carlene Bannish	Email	02/02/2023-02/2026	Treasurer
Cynthia Bronson	Email	02/04/21 - 02/01/24
Cindy Gaylord	Email	02/02/23-02/2026	Chairperson
Crystal Hollister	Email	09/02/21 - 06/01/24	Secretary
Kathleen Palmer	Email	02/02/2023 - 02/2026
Michael Ingraham	Email	09/02/21 - 02/01/24

Overview

The Historical Commission was founded in 1963 under state law chapter C. 40, Section 8 D. The Commission is allowed from 3 to 7 members who are appointed by the mayor for a three year term.

Responsibilities

To preserve, protect and develop historical and archeological assets.
To report the existence of archeological, paleontological and historical sites and objects.
To conduct research for places of historic and archeological value.
To cooperate with the state archeologist in such research or surveys.
To seek to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes.
To make recommendations to the city council related to the above.
To report to the state archeologist the existence of any archeological, paleontological or historic site or object discovered.

History

The City of Westfield was founded in 1669. Westfield has a long and proud history. The Historical Commission seeks to preserve our past for future generations. Projects successfully completed by the Westfield Historical Commission include:

The placement and dedication of an Historical Marker on the site of the Historic New Haven and Northampton Canal and H.B. Smith foundry.
The installation of a prominent sign identifying the Revolutionary War area cemetery, The Old Burying Ground on Mechanic Street.
The creation and awarding of the First Annual Westfield Preservation Award to Easthampton Bank for adaptive reuse of an historical building and the Kulyak family for the Rehabilitation and Restoration of 54 East Silver Street into an attractive condominium structure. The 2010 Historical Preservation Award was awarded to Daniel Genovese for spotlighting local sports history.
The establishment of a not for profit corporation: Westfield Museum Inc.
The creation of a brochure to assist in touring the Mechanic Street Cemetery, The Old Burying Ground.
The compilation and publishing of a list of Properties of Historic Significance in the City of Westfield. These properties are subject to Ordinance 1352 (Demolition Delay).

Preservation Efforts

Cataloging historical assets donated to the Commission.
Cooperating with the Westfield Athenaeum to evaluate and safely store these items.
Creating web pages to allow residents to view the city's historical treasures and activities of the Historical Commission.
Working with the Westfield Public Schools in researching and displaying historical themes.
Placing appropriate signage on National Historic Register properties.
Presenting the Westfield Historical Commission Preservation Award each year.

The preservation of Westfield's historic resources can revitalize neighborhoods, add to the revenues of the city, and preserve the community's character. To establish the ongoing recognition of the accomplishments of individuals, as well as businesses or families who have contributed to the preservation of Westfield’s historic integrity, the Westfield Historic Commission hereby establishes the Annual Westfield Preservation Award, “Our Past into the Future”. Please see the Preservation Award for more information on criteria for nominations and details of the award.