Otis Historic Properties Program Kicks Off
By Peter Cameron
June 2026
The Otis Historical Commission is pleased to announce the beginning of their new program to recognize historic homes and places that played a part in Otis’s history. This local program grew out of recognition that the National Historic Registry wouldn’t recognize just older homes without a significant regional history behind them. Instead, the Massachusetts Historic Commission recommended that each town create a recognition program for those properties that did not meet the national recognition criteria. The Otis Historical Commission appointed commission member Peter Cameron to undertake this task.
Image courtesy of Catherine Cameron, showing an example sign for the Otis Historic Properties program.
After more than a year of research, intense website design education and determination, the commission is pleased to announce the first five sites have been recognized on the new website. The sites: Norton Cemetery, The Old Scott Place and Town Pound, The Otis Reservoir Gatehouse, The Baird, Broga, Bristol Mill,and the J C Jackson House have prominent places in Otis history. Locations for each can be found on the website by clicking on the QR code.
At each site, there will be a small sign displayed with a QR code on it. That QR code will lead to that location’s page on the website. Here you can find a brief description of that place and how it fits into Otis history. In addition to the signs at each site, there will be generic signs at Town Hall, the town library and on Saturdays at the community table at the Farmers’ Market. Scanning the QR code on these signs will take you directly to the main website. From there, you can navigate the site and explore the various properties online.
SIDEBAR : Does Your Home Have a Story to Tell?
The Otis Historical Commission is looking for historic homes and properties that played a part in Otis's history. If you own one, they want to hear from you — and they'll do the research!
Reach out by:
Leaving a note at the Town Clerk's office addressed to the Historical Commission
Contacting any commission member
Emailing Peter Cameron directly, at: striperblue131@aol.com