A series of events to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Boston Landmarks Commission announced

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a series of free events scheduled throughout 2015 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC). Titled BLC XL, this anniversary series will feature four seasonal programs celebrating Boston’s historic places and the progress made during the past four decades to protect and enhance the city’s unique identity.

“For forty years the Boston Landmarks Commission has worked to safeguard the character of our beloved City, from its iconic downtown buildings to its many vibrant neighborhoods,” said Mayor Walsh. “I encourage residents and visitors to take advantage of the BLC’s free programming and join us throughout this anniversary year as we mark these truly landmark achievements.”

For the series’ first event, taking place on March 12, 2015, the BLC will partner with the Friends of the Public Garden. At the winter BLC XL program, “A Spin in the Park,” the public is invited to enjoy a free guided tour of the Boston Common. On this early-evening ramble, the Friends will present the colorful history of the Common, a designated Boston Landmark since 1977, and their ongoing efforts to restore and maintain it. BLC staff will reveal how the Common’s significant fences, statuary and fountains help define one of the city’s foundational places. This spin through the park will then take to the ice with skating at the Frog Pond, where rental skates will be made available to registered attendees at no cost along with a complimentary hot chocolate. Online registration is available here: blcxlwinter.eventbrite.com

Subsequent BLC XL events slated for 2015 include the BLC’s National Historic Preservation Month keynote event, to be held in May; a picnic and talk in Franklin Park, co-hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, scheduled for July; and a harvest-themed archaeological program coinciding with National Archaeology Month in October. For upcoming event details and announcements, please follow the BLC on Facebook and Twitter (@COBLandmarks), visit their website at boston.gov/landmarks, and join our e-mail list by contacting Tonya Loveday at tonya.loveday@boston.gov. 

About the Boston Landmarks Commission

The BLC was established in 1975 to identify and protect historic buildings, structures, areas and sites, review development and demolition activities affecting older properties, provide public information and assistance related to preservation and archaeology, and provide staff support to the local Historic District Commissions. There are over 8,000 properties within local Historic Districts or designated as individual Boston Landmarks by the Commission.

About the Friends of the Public Garden

The Friends of the Public Garden is a non-profit citizen's advocacy group formed in 1970 to preserve and enhance the Boston Common, Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue Mall in collaboration with the Mayor and the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Boston.  A model public-private partnership and the first in the region, the Friends number over 2,500 members and many volunteers.  www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org.