About Weston's History
Weston's Historical Commission was created by Town Meeting vote in 1968 to serve as the town’s official body for administering the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Not to be confused with the Weston Historical Society, a private, non-profit organization, the Commission is the only Town of Weston authority charged with town-wide preservation responsibilities.
The web pages listed below are filled with information about Weston's architectural, farming, economic, estate, and suburban history. Learn about the rich history of many of Weston's neighborhoods, homes, and areas, as well as how to preserve your own historical assets in your home.
-
Architectural Styles
Learn about the many different architectural styles found in Weston and see examples of each.
-
Historic Displays
The Historical Commission and Weston Historical Society work together to promote Weston's history, from a photo gallery in Town Hall to display cases in the Library and more.
-
Historic Maps
On online gallery of historic Weston maps.
-
Historic Resources
Learn the history of various neighborhoods, historic districts and areas, and Weston's cultural resources.
-
Preservation Resources
The Historical Commission has compiled several useful online resources to assist homeowners with to home preservation.
To Preserve and Protect
In addition to the Commission's responsibilities at the Town Government level, the volunteers who serve also:
- provide educational opportunities to understand the history of the town and the historic context of important preservation resources
- Administers the Historic Marker Program, which recognizes Weston’s pre-1945 architectural heritage
- Monitors preservation restrictions on local structures
- Provides homeowners and town agencies with historical and technical advice on appropriate restoration procedures
Historical Oversight
Presently, Weston’s inventory of Historic Resources, shown on the Historic Resources / GIS Map (PDF), includes one Local Historic District (Crescent Street), 10 National Register Districts, and 26 Historic Areas. Seven properties are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Refer to the Weston Cultural Resources Inventory for a full list.
The Historical Commission sponsored a comprehensive survey of the town’s historical assets in 1993-94, jointly funded by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. The Commission has sponsored lectures about Weston history and architecture, some of which are available in video form at the Weston Public Library.
Detailed information on the work of the Commission can be found in its annual report to the town.