Historic New England

Elite '08

45

260

mike c.

Boston, MA

First off a close and dear friend of mine does work for this organization, which was formerly known as the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. It is headquartered in a 1796 house designed by the ever amazing Charles Bulfinch, and offers an informative house tour which gives an overview of the organization's role in conservation and preservation of New England artifacts and properties. Alas I am an admitted Americanist and am a sucker when the historical becomes three dimensional.Their homes and working farms range from Connecticut to Maine. Yelpers check out HNE's website from properties that range from the Bauhaus founder Gropius's house in Lincoln to the Lyman's estate incredible 18th century green house in Waltham--- all great day trips which are close to the city.

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21

305

Holly S.

Pepperell, MA

Can't believe I didn't think to review this organization. I knew them when they were SPNEA - I think they dumped that because no one had any idea or inclination to find out about it after glancing at the ungainly acronym.

They're more than just property managers and curators, but I actually let my membership lapse because I didn't feel they were doing enough at a practical level. Like at the time, I thought they were way overobsessed with the fancy old properties.

I am a historic homeowner - sounds fancy and posh, but it's like, uh, not. Basically, my house is registered under the registration accomplished for our town's historic district. George Washington did not sleep there, a copy of the Constitution was not hidden in the walls at any point in time, and nothing happened that pretty much anyone cares about. But it's still about 60% original, which means it's both got some weird stuff going on inside we're like "is this historically significant?" about and falling apart, and we're trying to restore and conservatively renovate. We could have used a hell of a lot more practical advice from pretty much anyone other than what colors to paint it - HNE offers a very comprehensive chart for that though, when we get around to it.

Now, Historic New England has a pretty comprehensive historic homeowners program that seems like it's worth rejoining for provided their suggestions are not - try to get your house on "This Old House." The details are on their website.

It's also all the stuff that Mike C. said.

Oh, and the head gardener at the Lyman's estate rocks your socks - hope you didn't miss the heirloom plant sale this year, or put it on your calendar for next year and chat him up a bit. He's got knowledge.

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