Q. Is my house historic?

A. The National Register considers age, style, and context when determining a house historic. Structures more than fifty years old that are architecturally significant because of the design or building type or historical association may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Determinations of a building's historic significance are most often made by the Newton Historical Commission and the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Q. Do you have any information on my house?

A. If your house was built before 1907, the Newton Historic Properties Survey form will give date of construction along with a brief history of the house. Further information may be gathered from City Directories, Atlases, and other sources -- see the Guide to Researching Your House. In addition, selected 20th century properties have been surveyed, along with a number of early 20th century subdivisions.

Q. What are the regulations regarding changes to houses in historic districts?

A. In Newton's four local Historic Districts, Auburndale, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville and Chestnut Hill, exterior changes to buildings and landscape features must be reviewed by the relevant Historic District Commission. If the property is not in a district, a homeowner may have to undergo a demolition review through the Historical Commission, but can still make changes in accordance with city zoning and building codes. For information about Historic District regulations, call the Planning Department at 617-796-1120 or constult the Website.

Q. Is there any funding for restoration projects?

A. The Newton Housing Rehabilitation Fund (NHRF) has funding for low to moderate income families for general rehabilitation and preservation work.

Q. Do you have any old pictures of my house?

A. The Museum has a large collection of Newton photographs. Occasionally there will be photographs of individual houses. Copies of most photographs may be purchased from the Museum.

Q. Do you have any information on my ancestor who lived in Newton?

A. There are several resources including the printed Vital Records to 1850, City Directories which begin in 1868, printed assessor's records from the 1850s and 60s, and secondary source materials in the collection. Information may also be available from the Newton City Archives, the Newton City Clerk, the Massachusetts Archives at Columbia Point in Boston, and the National Archives-New England Region in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Q. How can I find out if my ancestor is buried in Newton?

A. There are three, city-owned, historic cemeteries in Newton, the East Parish Burying Ground, River Street, and Winchester Street. The Homestead has alphabetical lists of burials and plans showing the locations of markers. See the Guide to Genealogy and Gravestone Research.

Q. Do I have to make a research appointment to visit the Archives at The Jackson Homestead.

A. Yes. The Curator of Manuscripts and Photographs is generally available for research Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, between 8:30 and 5:00. Please call ahead for an appointment so that you may be assured of assistance. The phone number for the curator, Susan Abele, is 617-796-1462; her e-mail address is

Q. Where are the Archives?

A. The Jackson Homestead Museum and Archives are located at 527 Washington Street on the north side of the city between Newtonville and Newton Corner near exit 17 on the Massachusetts Turnpike. More information.

Q. How can I get more information about the City of Newton?

A. Visit the Newton Government Web site and the Newton Free Library.

Q. Are the Archives accessible?

A. Yes. The Jackson Homestead 's Archives are accessible. Please call 617-796-1450 for information.