Have you ever been in a conversation or overheard a discussion where someone says, “You have to go to the Historical Society to get approval for your replacement windows”? When it comes to historic preservation issues, there is often confusion about what a historical society does and what town agencies do. In the Town of Yarmouth, for example, the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth, the Yarmouth Historical Commission and the Old King’s Highway Historic District Committee are oftentimes lumped into a single category of “those historical folks.” In reality they are separate entities with clearly defined roles, although their goals and objectives may intersect as they strive to preserve Yarmouth history. Let’s examine them, one by one.

The Historical Society of Old Yarmouth (HSOY) – We already know about this organization, right? We may be members, volunteers, trustees, or other interested parties. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to have a little refresher on HSOY. It was founded in 1953 by Caroline Siebens and Ann Maxtone-Graham, with the mission “to preserve, promote, and present the history of Yarmouth, Massachusetts." It is a non-profit membership organization with a town-wide focus that works to collect the objects and documents that convey Yarmouth’s past, while also promoting the preservation of historic sites in the town.

Led by a Board of Trustees, HSOY has two part-time staff members and a number of active and enthusiastic volunteers (and we can always use more volunteer talent!). Its operations include the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum, the Nature Trails, Kelley Chapel, and our administrative headquarters at the relocated Gorham Cobbler Shop (behind the Post Office on Route 6A).
Please visit www.hsoy.org

Yarmouth Historical Commission (YHC) – “The Yarmouth Historical Commission is a town agency charged with the preservation, protection, and development of historical, cultural, and archaeological Town assets.” YHC members are appointed by Yarmouth’s Board of Selectmen. One of its major responsibilities is to review and approve the demolition of any structure in the South Yarmouth/Bass River Historic District or the Yarmouth Camp Ground Historic District in West Yarmouth (both of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places). It has the same demolition review authority for any structure over 75 years old that is outside these districts or the Old King’s Highway Historic District north of Route 6 (more on this district below).

The YHC also conducts research for places of historic or archeological value, and it cooperates with state and local agencies and private groups and non-profits on matters of mutual interest. Additionally, it makes recommendations for the preservation of historic sites or objects to the Board of Selectmen.
Please visit www.yarmouth.ma.us/363/Historical-Commission-Office

Old King’s Highway Historic District Committee, or simply the Old King’s Highway Committee (OKHC) – The Old King’s Highway Historic District in Yarmouth was established in 1973 by state statute as part of a larger district known as the Old King’s Highway Regional Historic District. The larger district stretches across the towns of Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster and Orleans, and between Route 6 and Cape Cod Bay. Encompassing over 48,000 acres with historic Route 6A as its major artery, it is reputed to be the largest historic district in the nation. Yarmouth’s segment of the district includes all properties north of Route 6 between Barnstable and Dennis.

Map of the Yarmouth Old King’s Highway Historic District. (click the image for a larger view)

The state legislation authorized each of the six towns to establish an independent government committee to review and approve exterior alterations, new construction or demolition within its portion of the larger historic district. In Yarmouth, the OKHC committee members are voted on by residents in the historic district while the Board of Selectmen appoints an architect/contractor and two alternates.

And to close the loop on the question at the beginning of this article, it’s the OKHC and not the HSOY that you need to approve those replacement windows you’d like to install (which will then also of course be subject to the usual permitting process from the town’s Building Department).

Please visit www.yarmouth.ma.us/375/Old-Kings-Highway-District-Administrator

by Gary Sachau
HSOY Trustee