Yarmouth Historical Commission
Preserving Yarmouth’s rich history — identifying, documenting, and protecting historically significant properties and resources
Commission Members
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Julie Mockabee | Chair | Active |
| Robert Kelley | Vice Chair | Active |
| David Gianacopoulos | Member | Active |
| Sam Lawrence | Associate Member | Associate |
What the Historical Commission Does
🏛️ Historical Survey
Conducts ongoing surveys of Yarmouth’s historical, archaeological, and cultural resources. Maintains the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) inventory forms for significant properties across all three villages — Yarmouth Port, South Yarmouth, and West Yarmouth.
⏱️ Demolition Delay
Reviews applications to demolish structures 75+ years old. Can impose a demolition delay of up to 12 months on historically significant structures to allow time to find preservation alternatives before a building is torn down.
📋 Historic Register Nominations
Nominates eligible properties to the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register. Coordinates with the Massachusetts Historical Commission on preservation planning and reviews federally-funded projects for historic impact.
📚 Public Education
Promotes public awareness of Yarmouth’s heritage through documentation, outreach, and cooperation with the Yarmouth Historical Society and other local organizations. Advises town boards and departments on historical matters.
Active Issues & Current Focus
Ongoing effort to update the town’s MHC inventory forms to reflect current conditions of historically significant structures. Many forms date from earlier surveys and need modernizing as properties change hands or deteriorate.
The Commission periodically receives applications to demolish older structures. Each requires public hearing and assessment under the town’s demolition delay bylaw to determine historical significance before action is taken.
Coordinating with the Old King’s Highway Historic District Committee on preservation concerns in the historic Yarmouth Port village center. Several 18th and 19th century sea captain homes remain on or near Route 6A.
Ongoing recognition of Wampanoag heritage predating English settlement in 1638. The Commission works to ensure indigenous cultural resources are properly documented and protected under state and federal law.
Meetings & Agendas
The Historical Commission meets monthly at Yarmouth Town Hall. Meeting dates, agendas, and minutes are posted on the town’s Agenda Center. Meetings are open to the public.
Public Participation
Residents may address the Historical Commission during the public comment period at any regular meeting. If you own a structure that may qualify for historical designation, or are planning to demolish a building 75+ years old, contact the Commission before applying for a demolition permit. Public input is welcomed on historical surveys and nominations.
The Historical Commission can delay demolition of historic structures by up to 6 months.