Marlborough's Historic Homes

Marlborough's historic properties, including hundreds of homes, were documented in historic property surveys conducted in 1994 and 1995. 

These and other resources for those who own an historic home in Marlborough or who are looking to buy one are listed below.

Research

• The narrative from the Marlborough Survey of Historic, Architectural, and Cultural Resources describes the history of Marlborough and the evolution of the architecture of the city.  It includes brief mentions of several houses.

• Information on nearly 1,000 individual historic properties in Marlborough was compiled in the Marlborough Survey of Historic, Architectural, and Cultural Resources, which was conducted in 1994 and 1995.  Houses make up the vast majority of the properties that are covered.

• The Society's archives contain maps, family histories, and photographs, and are available for research by appointment.   

• In addition, there are several historic maps of Marlborough available online in high-resolution scans.
  

Resources for owners

Note that while some members of the Society have experience with some of the items below, this list doesn't represent an endorsement of these organizations and resources.  If you have experiences with any of these or others you recommend we add, please let us know. 

• The Old House Association includes owners of old homes in Marlborough and surrounding communities.  Members share experiences and recommendations on renovation and preservation projects.  Meetings, which take place in old homes, are usually once a month, with the summer off.  Contact us for information on upcoming meetings.

• For those living in the French Hill area of Marlborough, the French Hill Neighborhood Association was re-started in June 2008.  For more information, send e-mail to the association or call 617-908-7666.
  

• Education, including hands-on courses,  literature, and instructional videos in one or more aspects of historic preservation:

• The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, part of the National Park Service--Great online resources and classes around the country.  Part of the National Park Service.
• The Preservation Trades Network, in Amherst, New Hampshire, has courses in New England and elsewhere around the country.
• Yestermorrow, Warren, VT
  
• Howard Hall Farm, Athens, NY
  
• Historic Restorations, Lancster, PA
• The Rufus Porter Museum, Bridgton, ME, known for their mural classes; also classes on other preservation, restoration, and craft topics.
  

• Restoration

• Learn about ways to save your original wood windows and make them more energy efficient:
• A report on the energy performance of wood windows in cold climates, from the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training.
  
• Resources from the New England Window Restoration Alliance, including reasons to repair rather than replace your wood windows.
  

• Architectural salvage

• New England Demolition and Salvage, New Bedford, MA
• Restoration Resources, Boston
• Olde Bostonian Architectural Antiques, Boston
  
• Bulding Materials Resource Center, Boston--Also has new items; $10/yr. fee.
• Architectural Salvage, Exeter, NH
• The Old House Parts Company, Kennebunk, ME
  
• Portland Architectural Salvage, Portland, ME
  

• Architects, engineers, builders,and others that specialize in historic preservation and restoration in our region are listed in this directory.  Note that some of these firms focus on large public projects, so explain the scope of your project when first making inquiries.

• Your comments and recommendations will help expand this list.  Please let us know your experiences.
  

Living in an historic property

In addition to houses, three historic buildings are being developed as condominiums and apartments:

• The Marlborough Wire Goods Factory at  406 Lincoln Street later became Space Age Electronics, and in 2008 underwent substantial renovation to become Renaissance Lofts condominiums.

• The Paper Box Factory, a daylight factory at 175 Maple Street, was owned by Dennison Manufacturing and later became DesignPak.  Since 2007 it's been undergoing renovation to become apartments, and is expected to open in 2008.
  

• St. Mary's, at 26 Broad Street in the French Hill neighborhood of Marlborough, is being turned into St. Mary's Condominiums.  Work began in 2007 and is expected to be completed in stages in 2008 and 2009.
  

  Let us know if there are others we should list here.


Touring Marlborough's historic homes

The Peter Rice Homestead (1688) is open by appointment for tours and research.  In addition, many programs and meetings are held at the homestead.

Several tours of historic homes throughout Marlborough have been held over the years:

• 1960 - June 16, 1960--Sponsored by the Marlborough Tercentenary Committee.  Ten homes were featured.  Download the handout with descriptions.  [PDF]

• 1990 - June 16, 1990--The Marlborough Centennial House Tour was organized by the Centennial House Tour Committee, which included members of the Marlborough Historical Society, the Colonial Garden Club, the Junior Womens' Club, and the Womens' Club.

• 1993 - June 12, 1993
  

• 2003 - December 6, 2003--A Holiday House Tour presented by the Marlborough Historical Society with the Old House Association.  Six houses, including the Peter Rice Homestead, and Marlborough's city hall.  Download the handout with descriptions.  [PDF]
  

• 2008 - May 4, 2008--Presented by the Marlborough Historical Society.  Six houses, including the Peter Rice Homestead and a Victorian house converted into offices.  View pictures and descriptions and download the handout and map here.