Mason County adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance in July of 2005. To carry out the intent of the ordinance, a seven member Historic Preservation Commission was appointed by the Mason County Board of Commissioners in November of 2005. The major responsibility of the Historic Preservation Commission is to identify and actively encourage the conservation of Mason County's historic resources by initiating and maintaining a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to register properties. The Commission also works to raise community awareness of Mason County history and historic resources. In June of 2007, Mason County was designated as a Certified Local Government, meeting the qualifications of the National Park Service and the Washington State Office of Historic Preservation.

What is a Certified Local Government?

The National Historic Preservation Act established a nationwide program of financial and technical assistance to preserve historic properties—buildings, structures, sites, neighborhoods, and other places of importance in the historical and cultural life of the nation.

Benefits of Becoming a Certified Local Government

• Special grants from the State Historic Preservation Officer
• Local historic preservation expertise recognized by state and Federal agencies
• Technical assistance and training from the State Historic Preservation Office
• Participation in nominations to the National Register of Historic Places
• National historic preservation assistance network: publications, professional assistance
• Information exchange with the State Historic Preservation Office
• Participation in statewide preservation programs and planning.

Responsibilities of a Certified Local Government

• Maintain a historic preservation Commission
• Survey local historic properties
• Enforce State or local preservation laws
• Provide for public participation
• Other functions delegated or required by the State.

Historical Building, Structure, or Place Plaque Program

The Mason County Historic Preservation Commission administers a Plaque Program to acknowledge the historical value of buildings, structures, and places in Mason County that should be considered historically important, possess unique architectural or other characteristics, are associated with important events in Mason County history, or some or all of these values. You can find out more information about the Plaque Program on our Historical Building, Structure, or Place Plaque Program page.