Massachusetts § 27D - Historic homesteads
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 27D — Historic homesteads, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 27D. Historic homesteads
Section 27D. Any person owning or in possession of a homestead or tract of land which has been owned or in the possession of his family for one hundred years or more may apply to the commission to list the homestead or tract of land in a register to be maintained by the commission. The commission shall provide forms for such application and shall rule on the authenticity of the homestead or the ownership or possession of the tract of land according to criteria it shall establish and make public.
Upon the authentication of the homestead or tract of land by the commission, it shall list the homestead or tract of land on its register and provide the applicant with a plaque of suitable design determined by the commission to be affixed to the homestead or tract of land.
The plaque shall identify the homestead or tract of land as an historic homestead and specify that it is one hundred or more years old as of the date of recognition. If the date or year of construction of the homestead or purchase of tract of land is known, that date or year may appear on the plaque in lieu of the fact that the homestead or tract of land is one hundred or more years old. The plaque shall not bear the name of any member of the commission or any other public official, but may carry an appropriate emblem to be determined by the commission.
All costs of administering this program, including maintenance of the register, research into the authenticity of the homestead or tract of land, plaque and plaque design, and mailing costs shall be determined by the commission and shall be borne by the applicant.
The applicant shall be responsible for displaying the plaque on the homestead or tract of land in a suitable manner and shall bear all costs of such display.
The commission may arrange to present plaques to applicants so desiring at the commission's annual meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 27D
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 27D cover?
Section 27D ("Historic homesteads") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 27D?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 27D" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 27D apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.