Historic Curatorship Program


The Massachusetts Historic Curatorship Program is a leasing program under the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation that promotes private investment in historic, public properties that are currently empty and in various states of disrepair. Through the Program, a curator is selected to restore and maintain one of the Program's properties in a “work for credit” exchange system. A curator is chosen through an open application process that can be found on the DCR's website. Average lease terms range from twenty to thirty years. To date, twenty-two of the Program's properties are under agreement. The Program includes residential, commercial and institutional properties that are significant to the history of the Commonwealth.

Properties Under AgreementDepartment of Conservation and Recreation Historic Curatorship Program, "Historic Curatorship Properties Under Agreement," April 2019, https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2019/04/12/Properties%20under%20agreement%20with%20descriptions%20-4-2019.pdf.

Wachusett Superintendent's House, Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
Officers' Quarters, Fort Revere Park
Gatekeeper's House, Maudslay State Park
Bell House and Barn, Maudslay State Park
Coachman's House and Outbuildings, Maudslay State Park
Farmhouse, Maudslay State Park
Gatekeeper's House and Barn, Lowell Heritage State Park
Horseneck Lifesaving Station, Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Smith Farmhouse, Borderland State Park
Wilbur Farmhouse, Borderland State Park
E.F. Dodge House, Bradley Palmer State Park
Lamson House, Bradley Palmer State Park
Bradley Palmer Mansion, Coach House, and Carriage Garage, Bradley Palmer State Park
Bascom Lodge, Mount Greylock State Reservation
Crosby Mansion, Sully House, and Graham House, Nickerson State Park
Harlow House, Ellisville Harbor State Park
Walter Baker Administration Building, Dorchester-Milton Lower Mills Industrial District
Glenledge Cottage, Halibut Point State Park
Swann Lodge and Barn, Beartown State Forest
Barton House, F. Gilbert Hills State Forest
Litchfield House, Great Brook Farm State Park

Properties Selected, Lease Pending

, Charles River Reservation