What We Do

The mission of the Fall River Historical Commission (FRHC) is to identify, document, and protect Fall River’s historic resources, to increase public awareness of Fall River’s heritage and the value of historic preservation, and to do so with not only the guidance and council of the Massachusetts Historical Commission but also by interacting with other city boards and committees.

The FRHC endeavors to be a preservation information resource to all citizens of Fall River and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by means of research, public meetings, the press, and publications, and to educate the citizenry of Fall River and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding the breadth and importance of Fall River’s cultural heritage.

Another mandate of the FRHC is to administer Fall River’s Chapter 38: Historical Preservation and in particular Article III, Division 3. – Notice of Intent to demolish Structure, more commonly known as the “Demolition Bylaw”.

Since its inception in 1977, the Commission has basically played only as an advisory role. Until recently, the Commission could only delay, but not stop, demolitions of our historical resources. The recent creation of the Fall River Historic District Commission will for the first time, provide the regulatory power to prevent our historical structures from being demolished. While this is limited to 47 properties within the Highland Historical District, it is our hope that the community will see the importance of preservation and eventually expand beyond this small footprint.

Preservation today is pursued in complementary ways within the private, the non-profit, and the public sectors. And in the public sector, governments provide a regulatory framework to protect historic properties and provide financial support through grants, loans, or tax relief.

All of these efforts make an enormous contribution to our quality of life, but even the strongest commissions are only as strong as the support of its community.

Meetings

Regular meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 1st Floor, Government Center, One Government Center, Fall River, MA 02722.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Members

Jason R. Bouchard-Nawrocki, Chair
Elizabeth A. De Block, Secretary
Richard R. Mancini, Vice-Chair
Joyce B. Rodrigues
Maria Connie Soule

Policies

Preservation Restriction | Holding Landmark Designation Study Hearing

Resources

Annual Report | Chapter 38 – Historical Preservation Ordinance  | Presentation | Register of Significant Structures | Fall River Design Guidelines | Highland Local Historic District

 Contact Information

One Government Center, Room 534
Fall River, MA 02722
T: 508.324.2530
F: 508.324.2564

frhc@fallriverma.org