Historic Districts Commission

Meetings
  • 3rd Thursday of the month
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View Minutes 2011 and Older
Historical Commission

Members

Name Position
 Term Expires
Tracy Shriver Chair
 2023
Carol Pyles Vice Chair 2023
Catherine Daley Member 2021
Justin Aborn Member 2022
Daniel Clark Member 2022
Mary Anne Donaldson Alternate Member 2023
Eric Smoczynski Alternate Member  
Joshua Blevins Alternate Member 2025
Vacancies 2 Alternate Members  

Services

  • Project Design Review
  • Preliminary project discussion and review with the Administrator
  • Informal project discussion with the Commission
  • Certificates of Appropriateness following design review
  • Certificates of Non Applicability for maintenance and repair projects subject to Administrative Review

Responsibilities

The Historic Districts Commission is charged with preserving the historical and architectural legacy of the town by reviewing the appropriateness of all proposed exterior alterations and renovations of historic properties located within the town's local historic districts. The Commission also reviews the design of new construction within a District.

Preserving Hingham's Character

The Historic Districts Commission preserves the unique character of Hingham by serving as a design review board. The Commission consists of 5 members and 5 alternates, all volunteers appointed by the Select Board. The Historic Districts By-Law requires that the Commission include an architect, 1 designee each from the Planning Board and Historical Society, a resident of an historic district, and one at-large member. The knowledge and expertise of the Commission members in the areas of building and landscape architecture, history, and building preservation have proved invaluable to the owners of historic properties.

Helping Homeowners

The goal of the Historic Districts Commission is to help homeowners identify options to make exterior changes that are historically and architecturally appropriate for the age and style of the house and for the streetscape as a whole. The Commission works with the property owner, the Building Department, the Planning Board, Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and other town offices to retain Hingham's rich heritage.