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Haverhill launches optional historic house plaque program; library offers research support
Summary
Councilor Ferreira outlined a new, optional historic house plaque program to help homeowners document and mark older properties; the library’s special collections will assist research and a local sign vendor will supply the plaques.
Councilor Marisol Ferreira presented the Haverhill City Council with a proposed historic house plaque program developed with the Highlands Neighborhood Association and the Historical Commission. The voluntary program would allow homeowners to place a 15-by-22-inch plaque on qualifying houses to record basic historic information: original owner or architect, occupation and year built, and an optional neighborhood or district name.
Ferreira emphasized that the plaque is optional and does not place any protections, restrictions or historic-designation status on a property. The Highlands Neighborhood Association will review source materials submitted by applicants to verify the information before signage is ordered.
Becky Geller, head of Special Collections and Archives at the Haverhill Public Library, told the council the library can support homeowners researching property histories. Geller said the library holds building survey data sheets, a photographic survey (late 1970s), city and Bradford directories dating back to the 19th century, Sanborn fire insurance maps and an online digital photo archive of roughly 14,000 images; staff can also provide guidance on deed research at the Southern Essex County Registry of Deeds web site (salemdeeds.com).
Geller said she has already received the first patron inquiry for the program and described Special Collections’ hours (Monday–Wednesday 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Thursday 3 p.m.–7 p.m., and planned Saturday hours one day per month), an open house scheduled March 7 from 5–7 p.m., and a Saturday session on March 15 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Councilors asked about sign sourcing; Ferreira said a local company is offering a template and homeowners may use other vendors if they prefer.
Why it matters: The program is intended to make it easier for homeowners to document local history, support walking-tour and tourism efforts, and encourage public engagement with Haverhill’s built heritage without imposing regulatory change.
What’s next: Ferreira said edits suggested by the city solicitor will be incorporated and the city website’s Historic Commission page will be updated with application instructions, research resources and ordering information; no formal council vote occurred at the meeting.
