What is the purpose of this program?

The purpose of the building plaque program is to call attention to the historic character of Madison and give recognition to early buildings and to the people who built or resided in them. Madison is important as not only an early shoreline settlement including farms, shipbuilding ventures, and small industries but also as a popular summer resort town. The local architecture reflects all of these distinct periods in Madison's heritage.

What are the guidelines for the program?

To qualify for a plaque, the building must be documented as being built before 1930, and it must be visually recognizable as an historic building.

By what means is the date of the structure determined?

The dating of a structure is done by deed research (and other primary source information) as well as by an architectural review by a professional architectural historian.

Does a Madison Historical Society Plaque restrict any future alterations to the house or building?

No. The purpose of the plaque is to recognize the historic nature of the building. In no way does it restrict any sort of future alteration of the building.

What does the plaque look like?

The plaque is a rectangular hardwood tablet, approximately 12 inches by 18 inches, with the name of the Madison Historical Society in the lower right corner. The plaque lists the date of construction of the building and the name of the original builder of the structure or the surname of the family who owned the building for the longest period of time. The occupation (trade or profession) of an owner may also be added to the plaque.

What is the cost?

The cost is $400. In addition to the plaque, the homeowner will receive a ring-bound history of the building, a deed report, and an architectural report.

How do I start the process?

Fill out the request form on the following page and send it to the MHS. Upon receipt of your request, a member of the Plaque Committee will add your property to the schedule. As the date approaches, the deed researcher and/or architectural historian will contact the building owner to arrange for the inspection of the structure.

Further questions?

Please call the MHS offices at 203.245.4567 or click here to email us at contact@madisonhistory.org .