Newburyport means history. Historic preservation has been a positive force in the city for decades.  The large-scale restoration of hundreds of old structures has made the community a national showcase.  Our history defines who we are and contributes to the well-being of the town. Housing values have increased substantially and we’ve built a thriving tourist economy based largely on the city’s historic character and attractive setting.

The whole community has a stake in ensuring that we sustain and improve our important – yet endangered – historic character.  Historic resources - buildings, landscapes, and scenic vistas - are finite and the community’s historic character is irreplaceable.

Newburyport is in danger of losing historic places. Tear-downs and infill will continue unabated. Historic preservation will not just happen without immediate action and leadership. We need vigilance and awareness, advocacy and education.

Newburyport is a widely recognized model for sympathetic urban renewal in its downtown.  We must now apply the winning strategies used for civic projects to protect and support our residential architecture.

This is our history, our home, our Newburyport. And the time for us to act together is now.