MHC letter re Essex Institute Block MA Landmark status JAN 18 2010
ry
5" C.,70 1 Y CEVLL0PMENT
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
January 16,2018 William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth
Massachusetts Historical Commission
Robert M.Monk,Jr.
Chief of Security,Facilities Operations and Planning
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St
Salem,MA 01970
RE:Massachusetts Historic Landmarks Certification,Essex Institute Complex, 134, 132, 128 and 126 Essex Street;
3 and 5 Brown Street;3 Washington Square West,Salem,Massachusetts
Dear W.Monk:
I am writing to advise you that the property noted above,collectively known as the Essex Institute Complex,is a
Certified Massachusetts Landmark under Massachusetts General Laws,Chapter 9,Section 27,as recorded by a
Notice of Certification filed with the Essex South Registry of Deeds on July 25, 1972,Book 5888,Page 559. The
Landmark Certification was confirmed by votes of the Essex Institute on June 27, 1972 and by the Massachusetts
Historical Commission on July 22, 1972. I have enclosed a copy of the recorded Notice of Certification. As per
Chapter 9, Section 27,the owners Certified Landmarks agree to abide by the"Standards for the Care and
Management of Certified Historic Landmarks"attached to the recorded Notice of Certification. Paragraph 11 of the
Standards states:
"No alteration shall be made unless(a)clearly of minor nature and not affecting historic values,(b)the Commission
has previously determined that it will not seriously impair historical values,(c)the Commission has granted
permission for it after public hearing as required by the statute,(d)application for such permission has been filed
with the Commission and there has elapsed thereafter such period of withholding of permission,not exceeding one
year,as the Commission deems necessary,or(e)required by casualty or other emergency promptly reported to the
Commission."
Staff of the Massachusetts Historical Commission(MHC)understands that rehabilitation and restoration work has
been ongoing at the Phillips Library buildings within the Essex Institute Complex,and that additional renovation
plans are now under consideration. To date however the MI-IC has not received any notification regarding proposed
work,nor has it approved any work under the procedures set forth in Chapter 9,Section 27. Please contact me at
your earliest c1nvenience to discuss the Certified Massachusetts Landmark requirements as they may apply to
current and anticipated projects within the Essex Institute Complex.
Sincerely,;/ ; R
t;
Paul Holtz
Historical Architect
Co-Director,Grants Division
Massachusetts Historical Commission
Encl.
Xc:Dan L.Monroe,Director and CEO,Peabody Essex Museum;Salem Historical Commission
220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125
(617) 727-8470 • Fax: (617) 727-5128
www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc
+� BIK 38a F% 559
t
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION v
NOTICE OF CERTIFICATION
�r P
€ BE HEREBY NOTIFIED, that the Massachusetts His1D rical Commission has by 3 .5
I
vote at a meeting held on July 22, 1972 certified as a MASSACHUSETTS HISTORIC, ¢
LANDMARK, pursuant to Section 27 of Chapter 9 of the General Laws, the property
P ty t
known as
ESSEX INSTITUTE COMPLEX
r
I� situated at #134, 132,128, and 126 Essex Street; #3 and 5 Brown Street; #3 Wash
5�f ington Square west, in Salem, more particularly described by the deeds and re-
Al
} ferred to below,-consent by Essex Institute, claiming ownership being hereto
and recorded herewith, and no other consent being deemed necessary, and that
this historic landmark is accordingly now subject to the Commission's Standards e
for Care and Management of Certified Historic Landmarks adopted October 16,
1964, of which a cop
y is attached hereto, and has been evaluated by the Commi=
., t4
ssion as set forth in the evaluation incorporated in the consent, and may not
� be altered in such a manner as would seriously impair its historical values; : '
i without permission of the Commission.
aIV
P1 `
?' Description•of the Pro ert Certified: :fir
ff by 1. Deed recorded with Essex Registry
g ry South, 3ook 5521, page 691 '
! 2. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 4732, page 315
fd 3. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 4358
R t
'# 4. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South , page 567
"t g rY , Bock 2947 page 567 175
Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 2947, page 568 ,. ..
i Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 2947, page 569 !5. Deed recorded with Essex Registry Saute, Book 1808
, page 462 $
Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 1900, page 349
6. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 1168, page 283
7. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 3530, page 484
Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 3530, page 485
?� MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
� r
r -
I
r, f
6 K 5 8 8 8 PQ56Q .
s k
t ',t
2 M•1-65
MASSACHUSETTS IIISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY -
State House,Boston 33,Massachusetts
STANDARDS FOR THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT i
OF CERTIFIED HISTORIC LANDMARKS
established pursuant to
General Laws, Chapter 9, Section 27 . e,
The care and management of an historic landmark certified by the a
Massachusetts Historical Commission should aim for continued mainte-
nance of the features and values of the landmark qualifying it for cer-
tification under the Commission's Standards for-Certification, and par-
ticularly those features identified as significant in the Commission's
evaluation accompanying the certification. Owners are expected to pre-
serve so far as practicable,and to the best of their ability,the historical y
and architectural integrity of the landmark.
Structures should be kept weathertight and in a reasonable state of
repair. Surfaces requiring painting or other finishing should be repainted F X.
X}yl
or refinished as reasonably necessary and in keeping with historical char-
acteristics. Grounds and rooms open to the public or to view from public
ways or places should be given normal care and kept reasonably clean.
All applicable public health and safety and other laws and regulations f r y -1!
are to be met, and reasonable fire prevention practices followed. Where
the public is admitted and there is particular risk of damage to histor-
icallysignificant features, reasonable protective precautions should be
taken. When repairs and replacements in' significant features become
necessary, similar design, materials and workmanship should be used so z
far as practicable.
w
Where it Can lle done Without Seriously f llpairing historical values a y�ata(which include the associative, design and archaeological values referred
to in the Standards for Certification), certified landmarks may be appro-
priately altered. This may, for example be possible in cases of interiors
where exteriors only are significant, in cases where secondary structures I1 ;
are included in a site to protect the setting rather than for their own sig-
nificance and in cases where additions can be inconspicuously made.
When changes or additions are made to significant structures the work
should be so done as to minimize detraction from significant original -
features, whether using similar design, materials and workmanship, or i
others aesthetically compatible. When additional structures.are con- 1
strutted or altered on a site with a significant structure, the work
should be so done as to minimize detraction from the significant struc-
ture.
When change is made in use of a significant structure,the new use should
so far as practicable be compatible with any historically significant use
and require a minimum of changes in significant features.
In resolving questions of authenticity,significance, similarity and com-
patibility, advice of competent architects and architectural historians
should be sought and respected.
�i
6Kb888 '°C561
$ k
Lkff .
'x• a
The care and management being used by the National Park Service
for its historic buildings and by the Society for the Preservation of NCI\ +.
England Antiquities for its historically significant properties are recog-
nized as guidelines and objectives, but it is also recognized that financial
limitations and particular needs for uses of buildings and sites may in _
appropriate cases make it necessary to vary from their practices. ?
t
Although certified structures and sites may be maintained as museums
or in uses which permit admission of the public, this is not required. It 'r #•,
is expected, however,that insofar as historically significant features may :..'%
not otherwise be seen,arrangements may be made from time to time upon
reasonable request and at reasonable convenience and subject to appro-
priate conditions to protect the landmark and the interests of the owner, c
for examination by representatives of the Commission or qualified and
responsible scholars,and for viewing by others on special occasions.
Signs and plaques may be maintained where necessary for convenience
of the public,but are to be so designed and placed as to minimize detrac-
tion from significant features of the landmark. They may be needed to
identify the landmark and its significance, and any occupants, and ` r
whether or when open to the public. In cases of landmarks open to the ;
public,they may be needed to give directions and information to visitors. 'Y
In case of business occupants they may need to bear additional information €
or rules appropriate to the conduct of the business. Signs which give direc-. s
tions to a landmark should be so designed and placed as not to mar their t
surroundings,wherever located. i 'a-pw
Any problems encountered in meeting these standards should promptly
be brought to the attention of the Commission. Failure to comply with NO i
the standards may result in withdrawal of certification.
No alteration shall be made unless (a) clearly of minor nature and not . X +� t
affecting historical values, (b) the Commission has previously determined { 7�
that it will not seriously impair historical'values, (c) the Commission has
granted permission for it after public hearing as required by the statute,
(d) application for such permission has been filed with the Commission s
and there has elapsed thereafter such period of withholding of permission,
not exceeding one year, as the Commission deems necessary, or e re-
quired by casualty or other emergency promptly reported to the Com-
mission. + a +:
Determination of whether an alteration will seriously impair historical
e t" r' ;
values may be made on behalf of the Commission by its Chairman or
Acting Chairman. *,
The Commission may on request of any owner, if necessary in order $ ° =r
to facilitate management of any landmark, establish additional or mod- 'w,• 3. ° M.
M.
ified standards for determining what alterations it will consider clearly
of minor nature and not affecting historical values, or not seriously im-
pairing historical values.
An owner desiring determination, permission, additional or modified o.
standards shall furnish sufficient plans or information to enable the Com-
mission to render a ruling. r.
The Commission will welcome information and inquiries about certified
landmarks from all concerned. -
Adopted October 16,196¢.
wo
s
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION _ €'
CONSENT TO CERTIFICATION hs
p 1
$ �Y ES5EX INSTITUTE, owners of the property situated at #134, 132, 128 and 126 9 +
k 'Essex Street; #3 and 5 Brown Street; #3 Washington Square West in Salem, Essex
County, Massachusetts, and the land upon which they stand, more particularly
described by: F
6F
1. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South Book 5521 ` }4 r'Y , Page 691; r . ,���a •'
2. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book.4732, page 315;
3. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 4358, page 175;
4. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 2947, page 567;
Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 2947, page 568; > 8
Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 2947, page 569;
5. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 1808, page 462;
Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 1900, page 349; ,
6. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 1168, page 283; f 7. Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 3530, page 484;
Deed recorded with Essex Registry South, Book 3530, page 485;
which has been found by the MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION to be eligible g n
for certification as a MASSACHUSETTS HISTORIC LANDMARK pursuant to Section 27
of Chapter 9 of the General Laws, HEREBY CONSENTS to such certification, and
AGREES for itself and its successors in title to comply with the Commission's y
Standards for Care and Management of Certified Historic Landmarks adopted
October 16, 1964, and APPROVES the evaluation attached hereto and publication �r
thereof in its present form in whole or in part and with such changes as the . . :p
Commission may from time to time deem appropriate as additional facts or 4;
factors are brought to its attention, except,that no changes shal require
additional' care or management unless first approved by the owner or its a
successors, in title.
f WITNESS execution hereof ti Z._&'viv , 1972 ! x
„t
t Y 4
g
By
r s� 44
r;
Acting pursuant to vote, certification �t f
of which is-attached. gat i
ijr 4-1
1
E �
Y t
i
i
EI�
F}
L-ji .iU. UU • 1 V %ju %j
INS00
T o ,
co
M36-
ESSEX INSTITUTE
r
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
01970 —3S
r�
W.
At a meeting of the Essex Institute duly called and held on
7 June 1972, at which meeting a quoreim was present and
acting, it was duly
f k
VOTED: That the Essex Institute consents to the certification f
by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, pursuant to
General Laws, Chapter 9, Section 27, of the following
property of the Essex Institute as Massachusetts Historic Z.
Landmarks, and that David P. Wheatland, the President, `
or his successor, and Albert Goodhue, Secretary, or his44
{
successor (or any other suitable officer) and any one of
them acting alone, are hereby authorized in the name and z
behalf of the Essex Institute (a) to cooperate with the
Commission in completion of appropriate evaluations of
these properties in order to facilitate compliance with the k -
Commission's Standards for.the Care and Management of
Certified Historic Landmarks; (b) to execute and deliver s , <
appropriate instruments of consent; and (c) to make such x . - oc
Q__ With the f '??
T tall QIII�Iits and EQlldu6t such 6QIItiEati n p 7k• z ,
Commission as they may from time to time deem necessary q '
or desirable in connection with such certification, Section
and Standards:
3 .3
Essex Institute: 134-132, 128, 126 Essex Street, and 13 E a
Washington Square West, comprising all of the land, except
#1 Brown Street, bounded by the Massachusetts National
Guard Armory on the west, Brown Street on the north,
Essex Street on the south, and Washington Square West on
i
the east, and the following buildings: Essex Institute �
^e
museum and library, Gardner-Pingree House and detached
stable, Crowninshield-Bentley House, Andrew-Safford
House, attached stable and brick stable-yard wall, John r
Ward House, Vaughan Doll House, and Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop.
A True Copy y
Attest:
Secretary
j to 3
{r '
Massachusetts Historical Commission
.}� rya'-
Evaluation
t ..
to accompany certification of ,
ESSEX INSTITUTE COMPLEX �$
Y
as a
# {'
f Massachusetts Historic Landmark
f The Essex Institute is a collection of books and manuscripts, portraits and
V�
T
paintings, furniture and furnishings, and period houses. It contains the 43
, cS
a.
authentic memorials relating to the civil history of Essex County and of thei '
eminent men who have resided within its limits from the first settlement
through the nineteenth century. It thus provides more materials for an accu-
rate history of this part of our Commonwealth than may be found in any other F { *
single place. Founded in 1848 by the joining together of the Essex Historical
F' Society and the Essex County Natural History Society, the Institute is housed
s] � :.� r5•
in imposing brick buildings dating from the 18501s. Ili
In addition to the main buildings, the Essex Institute owns eight historic
S structures, two of which are on Federal Street and are not included in this $ '
certification. The remainder are all on property contiguous to the main qr t
building. °r J
;4
Immediately to the east is the Gardner-Pingree House, built for John Gard-
ner at 128 Essex Street in 1804. It is considered to be one of the finest ex-
amplesof the work of Samuel McIntire, Salem architect, builder and woodcarver,
representing his mature work in the fully developed n'do-classical Federal
i � Grp
style. The rooms are beautifully proportioned with delicate architectural `
ornament.
Next door is the Crowninshield-Bentley House. This handsome gambrel roofed ;, +
f
house was built in 1727 for John Crowninshield. At least four generations of
I 4�
his famous mercantile family lived here over a period of 105 years. The Rev-
erend William Bentley, clergyman, scholar and diarist, boarded here from 1791 i1i 'F
i to 1819. Pastor of the East Church of Salem, he was deeply involved in the a
4Pa.ntellectual and political life of the community. As a result of additions
E and renovations before 1800, this house presents the consecutive styles of 18th '. �
century architecture.
Facing Washington Square is the Andrew-Safford House at 13 Washington Square
West. Built in 1818 for John Andrew, a Salem merchant engaged in the fur tradV.
s
i, with Russia; this brick house with its four large wooden columns on the south
RL
;• side porch is one of the most impressive Federal style buildings surviving in
fy I�I ki f
(cont.)
A �d
i! RRg b6bd Vbbb5
Evalution - continued, page �1 two -��� '`�.,,
F� E':
S 1
Salem. The original stable, walls and fences still exist to complete the _�•.�:.;,,,� -:
-,picture of early 19th century urban living.
Directly behind the main buildings are three smaller structures. The
largest of these is the Ward House, built by John, Ward, a currier (leather
R E
I dresser) in 1684 on St. Peter Street. It provides in its two ground floor i
i -
;grooms a faithful picture of 17th century interior design. The lean-to contains 4
EI a
!a later apothecary's shop, weaving room, and an 1840 "cent" shop. The house
z
,was moved onto the grounds of the Essex Institute in 1910. {
r I•
To the southwest of the Ward House is the Vaughan Doll House, a small struc-
ture which, according to tradition, is framed with the beams of the first Quaker 4
meeting house in Salem, built in 1688, It was moved to its present location in
1860, one of the earliest examples of historic preservation in the country. i
is
Between the Doll House and 'the Ward House is the Lyle-Tapley Shoe Shop. s
This building dates from the 1830's and represents the important local shoe
5 ;
industry during its handcrafting period, 1750-1850. The building was moved •��
here from Lynn in 1910.
r, e
Y 4 ,'
BIBLIOGRAPHY
� 1. Historic Salem, Massachusetts, publ. by Bromley Co., Boston (no date)
2. Along the Shores of Essex County, publ. b the Junior Lea x
�i , p y League of Boston, Inc. rzx
1970
3. _Diary of William Bentle , D.D., publ. by the Essex Institute, 1904-1914
4. The History of Salem, Massachusetts, by Sidney Perley, private printing 1928
i
5. A Stroll through Salem, by Samuel Chamberlain, .New York, 1969•._ g
} r
Essex ss. Recorded July 25, 1972. 25 m. past 9 A. M. #40 „ =•
3-
r
r
I
1� t .