Projects in the Works
Recent Charlestown Preservation Society's projects and successes.
Our Mission
Serving Charlestown since 1967
The Charlestown Preservation Society (CPS) was founded in 1967 to protect Charlestown’s historic buildings from destruction. Today, we’re continuing that legacy by preserving the town’s historic charm—its architecture, landscapes, and vibrant community. We’re passionate about advocating for preservation, supporting responsible growth, and educating others on what makes Charlestown one of Boston’s most unique and beloved neighborhoods.

Our Values
The Charlestown Preservation Society performs 4 key functions::
Advocate
A Charlestown building boom is underway with developments proposed at every end of town. CPS attends all public meetings, submits comments to appropriate organizations and publishes letters and position papers in the local newspaper and on our website. Our goal is to ensure that growth doesn't compromise the historic nature of our town, or the needs of our residents.
Protect
A key committee at CPS is Protect Historic Charlestown (PHC), whose mission is to help protect the historic character and the architecture of Charlestown in partnership with the City of Boston's Landmarks Commission. The team’s key goals are to focus on advocacy and preservation planning to create a more supportive environment for preserving and protecting historic properties.
Guide
The Design Review Committee (DRC) works with the community to review requests for commercial and residential property changes in Charlestown that require zoning relief or an Article 80 review process. The DRC is a strategic committee within CPS and is admired widely for its keen efforts to preserve and protect our historic community and its architecture.
Educate
CPS is committed to increasing the awareness of Charlestown's history as one of the oldest neighborhoods in Boston. Our strategy includes a biennial Historic House tour, lectures on historic sites and figures, an active website, neighborhood walking tours as well as regular communication with our members through mailings and social media.
The Team
CPS is run by a Board of community-minded residents and a crew of active, creative volunteers.
The Charlestown Preservation Society (CPS) Board of Directors engages in a range of strategic, planning, and oversight activities from October through June, meeting every other month. Board members bring expertise in finance, historic preservation, architecture, event planning, public and government relations, communications, branding and marketing, and real estate and development, board activities are collaborative and mission-focused.
Amanda Zettel
PresidentBridget O’Connor
Spaces and Places ChairChris Doggett
TreasurerDarrell Villaruz
SecretaryEmily Kish
House Tour Co-ChairJoe Foresi
Advisor to BoardLisa Ha
House Tour Co-ChairMarley Kanda
MemberMolly Stern
Communications ChairNancy Liberman
MemberNoelle Dye
MemberPippa Nava
MemberRichie Banerji
Vice PresidentRyan Gavin
MemberSarah Fillmann
MemberTiffany Riddle
MemberThe Communications and Marketing Committee of the Charlestown Preservation Society Board plays a key role in shaping the public image of the organization, growing community engagement, and supporting fundraising and advocacy efforts. Drawing on members' professional backgrounds in branding, media, digital strategy, and community outreach. This committee typically meets between board meetings to plan campaigns, review materials, and adjust strategy based on organizational needs and community feedback.
Guided by the mission to honor, maintain, and enhance the quality of life and cultural heritage of Charlestown, the Community Spaces and Places Committee fosters a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighborhood through public realm enhancement, environmental advocacy, and meaningful partnerships. This committee meets regularly and collaborates across the board and community to ensure that Charlestown’s parks, trails, streetscapes, and gathering places reflect its historic richness, environmental responsibility, and welcoming spirit.
The Design Review Committee of the Charlestown Preservation Society Board plays a central role in upholding the architectural and historic character of the neighborhood by evaluating proposed development and renovation projects—ranging from small homeowner improvements to large-scale Article 80 and Planned Development Area (PDA) projects. The committee brings together expertise in architecture, historic preservation, real estate development, and community planning. This committee typically meets monthly or as needed depending on the volume of project proposals. Members often conduct site visits, review architectural drawings, meet with city and state agencies, and meet with applicants to support constructive, preservation-forward outcomes.
The Event Planning Committee of the Charlestown Preservation Society Board is responsible for organizing and executing a variety of events that advance the organization’s mission, engage the community, and support fundraising and outreach goals. With expertise in event planning, logistics, communications, donor relations, and volunteer coordination, this committee ensures that events are professionally managed and mission-aligned. This committee meets regularly throughout the year, with increased activity around major events such as the biennial House Tour and Gala. Throughout the year it works to organize community programs, educational events and fundraising and donor events. It works closely with the Communications, and Finance Committees to ensure events are well-funded, well-attended, and mission-aligned.
The "Protect Historic Charlestown" Committee of the Charlestown Preservation Society is dedicated to safeguarding the architectural and cultural heritage of the neighborhood through strategic neighborhood preservation planning, proactive advocacy and government relations, Landmark and District petitions, public relations and awareness, and meticulous research and documentation. This committee plays a vital role in shaping policies, guiding development, and educating both the public and officials on the historical significance of Charlestown’s built environment. This committee meets regularly and often works in coordination with legal advisors, architectural historians, and planning professionals to support its work. It functions as both a watchdog and a visionary, ensuring that Charlestown’s historic legacy is preserved for future generations.
Amanda Zettel
CIDBriton Claridge
Emily Kish
Eric Hill
Cambridge Historical CommissionJudy McDonough
Former BLC Exec DirScott Haldane
MemberEvent Calendar
Our calendar captures all public events, as well as committee meetings if you'd like to participate.
The latest from the Blog
Follow us for the latest in community developments, successes and local happenings.
Charlestown Underground Utility Pilot Project
Through the PLAN: Charlestown process, Charlestown Preservation Society (CPS) pushed for underground modernization of wires across the whole neighborhood. At last, we have a unique chance to advance this goal.
Honoring History Through Sustainability
A look at the Hoosac Stores, its preservation and the differences between demolition and deconstruction.