Reflecting on a Year of Advocacy, Education, and Preservation in Charlestown

As 2025 comes to a close, the Charlestown Preservation Society is reflecting on a year of advocacy, education, and community. Thanks to the continued support of our members, CPS remained a strong voice for thoughtful preservation while bringing neighbors together to celebrate, protect, and care for Charlestown’s historic character.

Advocacy at the Neighborhood and City Level

Advocacy remained a central focus of CPS’s work this year, and much of that work is ongoing.

We worked to protect Monument Square—one of Charlestown’s most historically and visually significant places—by supporting the creation of a Landmark District. Our advocacy emphasized the importance of clear, predictable design-review standards that protect the Square’s historic fabric while providing transparency and fairness for property owners. As the process moves forward, continued community engagement will be essential to ensure the district reflects both Charlestown’s history and the needs of its residents.

CPS also advanced conversations around public safety, infrastructure, and neighborhood resilience by advocating for an underground utility pilot project in Charlestown. This effort reflects our commitment to safer streets, reduced fire risk, improved reliability, and a streetscape that better reflects the historic character of the neighborhood. Sustained advocacy will be critical as the City evaluates next steps and potential implementation.

In addition, CPS advocated for building reuse to be recognized as a core component of Boston’s 2030 Climate Action Plan. We highlighted that preserving and adapting existing buildings is one of the most effective tools available to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining the character of historic neighborhoods like Charlestown.

As these efforts move forward, CPS will continue to keep members informed and engaged, with opportunities to support advocacy efforts as key decisions are made.

Education, Storytelling, and Community Connection

Connecting people to Charlestown’s history through education and storytelling remained a priority throughout the year.

One of CPS’s most meaningful events was Paul Revere Rides Again, which brought history to life by commemorating Charlestown’s essential role in the events of April 18, 1775. The event celebrated not only Paul Revere’s famous ride, but also the broader network of people, places, and moments that shaped our nation’s founding—many of which unfolded right here in Charlestown. Through reenactments, public programming, and community participation, residents and visitors alike experienced local history in a vivid and engaging way.

CPS also hosted workshops on how to research the history of your historic house, empowering residents with tools to better understand their homes and their place in Charlestown’s evolving story. During Bunker Hill Day Weekend, CPS once again helped honor the neighborhood’s deep historical roots while celebrating the living community that carries that legacy forward.

Stewardship in Our Streets and Public Spaces

Preservation extends beyond buildings to include care for the shared spaces that shape daily life in Charlestown.

This year, CPS helped organize two successful neighborhood clean-ups, bringing volunteers together to care for streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. These efforts reflect our belief that preservation is rooted in pride, and community involvement.

Preserving and Sharing Charlestown’s History

Preserving and sharing Charlestown’s history remained at the heart of CPS’s mission.

This year, CPS issued 23 new Bronze Historic Markers to buildings and homes throughout the neighborhood. These markers recognize historically significant structures and share their stories with the public, including dates of construction and—when records allow—information about builders or original owners. Together with the nearly 200 markers installed since the program began, they create a visible and accessible record of Charlestown’s extraordinary architectural and cultural heritage.

Looking Ahead

None of this work happens without the support of our members. Your involvement allows CPS to advocate thoughtfully, educate widely, and preserve what makes Charlestown unique—today and for generations to come. As we look ahead, we encourage members to stay engaged and watch for opportunities to support CPS’s advocacy work in the coming year.

Thank you for being part of the Charlestown Preservation Society and for supporting this important work.