Similar Names & Different Responsibilities

The Historical Commission consists of seven (7) members, each appointed for a three (3) year term by the Board of Selectmen. The Historical Commission identifies and records the historic landmarks of Halifax and works to preserve and maintain the archaeological and historical assets of the town.

A Historical Commission is often confused with a Local Historic District Commission and a Historical Society. It is important that one understands the difference between these three organizations. Local Historical Commissions are the official agents of municipal government responsible for community-wide historic preservation planning.

Local Historic District Commissions are the review authority responsible for regulatory design review within designated local historic districts created through town meeting or city council vote.  

A Historical Society is a private, non-profit organization. Historical Societies often preserve local history through house museums, maintaining collections and records and public programs.

The Town Historian is Susan Basile.