Community-wide survey enriches Mattapoisett’s history

MATTAPOISETT — The Mattapoisett Historical Commission is working on a long-term, community-wide survey to add to the town’s historical and cultural archives.

The commission reached a milestone in the multi-year project, completed by Preservation Consultant Lynn Smiledge. The survey includes the documentation of Main Street, North Street and 40 historical buildings, and was funded by a grant from the Community Preservation Act.

The forms have been posted to the town’s website, added to the public library’s archives and will be added to the Massachusetts Historical Commission database.

The commission is continuing with the next part of the project.

“Mattapoisett has a rich and diverse history beginning with the indigenous people that called the area home for thousands of years. Agriculture, shipbuilding and tourism evolved to share the story of Mattapoisett,” the commission said in a press release. ”Please take the opportunity to explore the amazing history of Mattapoisett.” 

The commission was established in 1973 by Town Meeting to preserve and protect the town’s history. 

“Understanding the existing historic resources and their context and significance provides the basis for short- and long-range planning,” the commission said. “This knowledge allows a community to grow, adapt and thrive, all while maintaining those historic aspects that make the community a unique and desirable place to live, visit and work.”