Key to preserving the authentic, unique character of Martha’s Vineyard is preserving its historic buildings and other resources from destruction or inappropriate alteration. Most of the Island’s historic buildings are concentrated in the town centers and traditional neighborhoods, and along historic roads.

• Historic Areas: Those with a high concentration of buildings over a hundred years old, including the town centers of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, West Tisbury, and Menemsha.
• Traditional Neighborhoods: Those outside the Historic Areas, with high a concentration of buildings built before the end of World War II, or where the urban pattern was set before the war.
• Scenic Roads: The main roads of the Island, all of which pre-date World War II, have significant historic, natural, and scenic value.

About 930 historic buildings on the Island (40%) are within one of the six designated historic districts - in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs (3), Tisbury, and West Tisbury - where demolitions and other proposals are subject to detailed historical review by local agencies.

In addition, the West Chop Club Historic District, Aquinnah Town Center Historic District, and Wesleyan Grove (Methodist Campground) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Wesleyan Grove is a National Historic Landmark. However, those areas are not subject to the same oversight as the town districts. 

The majority of historic buildings on the Island (about 1,460, or 60%) are outside the districts, with limited protection in regard to demolitions and alterations. Those buildings are subject to Commission review as Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs), or as possible DRIs, depending on the type of development proposed. This process is detailed in the MVC Historic Preservation Policy. 

Historic Preservation

Massachusetts law provides for protection of historic districts, but not for individual historic buildings unless they are of state-wide importance. Creating a historic district requires a two-thirds vote at town meeting. After a district has been created, any demolition or alteration to a building exterior must be approved by the local historic district commission.

• • Edgartown Village Historic District
  • Cottage City Historic District
  • Copeland Plan District
  • William Street Historic District
  • Gay Head-Aquinnah Town Center Historic District
  • The West Chop Club Historic District
  • List of Historic District Regulations (Martha's Vineyard BuyerAgents)

Inventories 

• MVC Historic Inventory Dashboard: Released in 2022, this website allows one to search for a property and view the following records:
• Town Assessor's building and assessment information
• MHC/MACRIS Inventory info
• Local Reconnaissance Survey info
• Massachusetts Historical Commission Inventories (MHC): The MA Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) is the state’s detailed inventory of historic buildings, structures, areas, etc.
• Status of Inventories (2015): Describes the status of studies undertaken and identifies the possibility of additional surveys. Also in 2015, the MVC prepared a compilation of documents about Historic Districts on Martha's Vineyard, including statistics, bylaws, and guidelines.

Archaeology

Native settlement on the Vineyard (Noepe) goes back about 12,500 years, and the remains of Wampanoag occupation of the land lie beneath our feet in many parts of the Island. It is important that these archaeological artifacts be preserved.

Archaeological surveys have been carried out across the Island, but the results are not generally available because of concerns about pillaging of these important sites.

Massachusetts has regulations dealing with archaeology, especially with respect to human remains. Any new construction or renovation project that requires funding, licenses, or permits from any state or federal agency must be reviewed by the MA Historical Commission for impacts to historic and archaeological properties. When the MVC reviews a Development of Regional Impact in an area known to have archaeological artifacts, it will usually ask that the archaeological resources be assessed and protected.

If you are contemplating any type of excavation, please check with the Wampanoag Tribal Historic Preservation Officer to find out whether there is a likelihood of finding archaeological artifacts in that location. The Tribe can also work with you to find the best way to protect any artifacts that are uncovered.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Download Acrobat Reader Download Windows Media Player Download Word Viewer Download Excel Viewer Download PowerPoint Viewer