The Massachusetts Most Endangered

Historic Resources Program

Program Background

Since 1993, Preservation Massachusetts had endeavored to identify and aid in the preservation of endangered historic resources across the Commonwealth. As our core advocacy and education program, Preservation Massachusetts utilizes our statewide visibility to spotlight places, buildings or structures under threat, increase awareness about them and work collaboratively with key stakeholders to find a positive outcome. 

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Though the program is only an honorary designation, it can serve as a catalyst for action and opportunities.  Preservation Massachusetts works with listed resources as priority projects, drawing upon our staff expertise, technical assistance abilities and networks, in an effort to see the listed resources, and the people committed to them, put on the path toward preservation.

2020 Endangered Program Update Statement:

Since 1993, Preservation Massachusetts’ Most Endangered Historic Resources program had endeavored to identify and aid in the preservation of endangered historic resources across the Commonwealth. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on daily lives, work and schedules, Preservation Massachusetts has been required to make changes and accommodations to this year’s program. 

With the number of nominations received this year, we feel we cannot properly run the program as it has been in the past.  This includes a rigorous review and selection process of nominations in order to select those resources that are considered the “most endangered historic resources” for this year.  The listed resources receive promotion from Preservation Massachusetts and also become a priority work focus for our Preservation Circuit Riders and professional staff. 

Though we cannot administer the program as we have over the past 27 years, we have an opportunity to assist and support those endangered resources that were nominated. Therefore, all nominations received for this year’s most endangered program will be listed as “Endangered Resources of 2020”.  We can still use our statewide visibility, professional staff, network and resources to support the efforts of the local nominators.  Our goal, as it is every day, is to work collaboratively with key stakeholders to find a positive outcome for these preservation challenges.

The program may look different but our response and support for community based historic preservation and endangered resources has not changed nor is it diminished by the adjustments we have had to make.  We thank you all for your understanding and are grateful for the opportunity to continue this program with a slightly different perspective. 

As always, if you are concerned about an historic property, landscape or resource in your community, please contact Preservation Massachusetts’ office or our Circuit Riders. We support, guide and mentor advocacy efforts every day of the year.  We look forward to returning to a full Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources Program in 2022.

Additional Resources & Information

Here are links to more information and questions to ask yourself while working with an endangered or threatened resource in your community. 

• 15 Questions for Dealing With A Threatened Resource

• Preservation Conversations: Threatened Historic Buildings (video)