How do I get a Historic House Marker?

Go to the Historic House Marker page. For more information, please call 617-796-1450.

Is my house historic?

The National Register considers age, style, and context when determining a house historic. Structures more than fifty years old that are architecturally significant because of the design or building type or historical association may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Determinations of a building's historic significance are most often made by the Newton Historical Commission and the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Do you have any information on my house?

See the page on Researching Your House.

What are the regulations regarding changes to houses in historic districts?

For information about Historic District regulations, consult Newton's Local Historic Districts and Commissions page.

Do you have any old pictures of my house?

The Archives has a large collection of Newton photographs. Fill out a Research Request Form to see if we own a photograph of your individual house. Copies of photographs may often be purchased from Historic Newton. 

Do you have any information on my ancestor who lived in Newton?

There are several resources, including the printed Vital Records to 1850, City Directories, which begin in 1868; and printed assessor's records from the 1850s and 60s. Information may also be available from the Newton City Archives, the Newton City Clerk, the Newton Free Library, the Massachusetts Archives, and the National Archives at Boston in Waltham. 

How can I find out if my ancestor is buried in Newton?

Find information about Newton's three historic burying grounds on the Historic Burying Grounds page. The Newton Cemetery & Arboretum, a private garden cemetery since 1855, keeps records of burials on its property.

Do I have to make a research appointment to visit the Archives at Historic Newton?

Yes! Please fill out a Research Request Form to see if we can answer your question without an appointment. Due to limited staffing, requests may take 2-3 weeks to process.

If you are researching your home please consult the Guide to Researching Your House before making an appointment with the archivist.

Where are the Archives?

The Jackson Homestead and Museum, which houses the Archives, is located at 527 Washington Street on the north side of the city between Newtonville and Newton Corner near exit 17 on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

How can I get more information about the City of Newton?

Visit the City of Newton website and the Newton Free Library.