Massachusetts has for many years led the nation in concern for recognition of historic sites and areas. A first-of-its kind project has been initiated in the massachusetts department of public works to utilise an inventory of historic sites as a variable to be considered when making decisions for transportation facility location. This paper discusses (a) a method for conducting and compiling a comprehensive historic sites inventory, (b) a means for encouraging local community participation in completing the inventory, (c) a technique for obtaining professional and qualified historical evaluation of inventoried sites (d) a system for geographic location of sites by x and y co-ordinates, and (e) a system for recording historic data for computer storage and retrieval. This survey is not meant to be a demi-preservation program, it is rather an early warning system which will supply, in advance of final transportation facility designs, information on potentially valuable historic sites and areas. (Author/publisher)
Abstract