Elizabeth O'Connell

The meeting involved the approval of the corrected December 2025 meeting Minutes. The primary focus was on Applications for Destruction on Form RCB 2U from various entities, including the Executive Office of Administration & Finance, Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services. One application from the Sudbury Housing Authority was tabled pending clarification. The Board also addressed a public records request, agreeing to keep updates on such requests on future agendas. A substantial discussion took place regarding electronic records management and media storage options, focusing on third-party vendors and the balance between accessibility and privacy, with a commitment to continue this discussion in the next meeting.

The Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Plan 2011-2015 serves as a roadmap for guiding comprehensive historic preservation efforts across the Commonwealth. It reviews past accomplishments, identifies current challenges, and sets future goals for the next five years. The plan's strategic direction focuses on key areas including identifying and documenting historical and archaeological resources, evaluating and registering their significance, strengthening protection through regulations and financial support, assisting local governments, preserving rural historic landscapes, mitigating natural threats, revitalizing urban and industrial areas, promoting heritage tourism, and enhancing public stewardship, education, and community engagement in preservation.

The meeting addressed several key items, including the informative discussion and subsequent unanimous approval of proposed amendments to the Statewide Records Retention Schedule from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), specifically record series H05-09 concerning K-12 State Student Assessment Materials. The Board also unanimously approved the Applications for Destruction on Form RCB 2U, including necessary pen-and-ink corrections to applications from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Office of the Inspector General. Furthermore, the Board reviewed a public records request response and agreed to keep Public Records Requests on the agenda for future meetings. The discussion on electronic records management and media storage was deferred to the January meeting.

This strategic plan guides the Massachusetts Historical Commission and its partners in preserving the Commonwealth's historic and cultural resources from 2006 to 2010. It outlines 15 key goals, including identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic and archaeological assets through financial support, regulatory frameworks, and assistance to local governments. The plan also emphasizes protecting rural landscapes, revitalizing urban areas, promoting heritage tourism, enhancing public stewardship, and ensuring accessibility, aiming to provide clear direction for safeguarding Massachusetts' irreplaceable heritage.

The meeting agenda included a Refresher on the Open Meeting Law presented by the Division of Open Government (AGO). Key discussion items involved the Review of Destruction and Transfer of Records Forms, an Update on Public Records Requests, and Other Business concerning updates to media options for records retention. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and considering Applications for Destruction Permission on Form RCB-2U for numerous agencies and offices, including the Attorney General's Office, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Office of the State Auditor, various Executive Offices, State Universities, Community Colleges, and Housing Authorities.