New Historic Markers Program Launches with $300,000 in Community Grants

On March 7, at the First Church in Roxbury, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the creation of the Boston Historic Markers Program, the City’s program of commemorative markers ensuring Boston residents and communities are part of the city’s ongoing storytelling.

At the 250th commemoration event honoring Henry Knox and His Noble Artillery’s role in ending the Siege of Boston, Mayor Wu announced the creation of the Historic Markers Community Grants Program. Supported by a $650,000 allocation from the Browne Fund this “Historic Markers Program puts these stories right where they belong—front and center, where our history happened” said Mayor Wu.

This program will facilitate the installation of a new series of commemorative markers across the city, intended to tell a more complete story of Boston and uplift the rich cultural heritage of Boston’s neighborhoods.  An initial $300,000 grant program is open to community organizations throughout the city to research and engage their communities on potential sites and themes for future markers. Organizations can learn more about the program and apply at this link. The remainder of the funding has been directed to the Office of Historic Preservation for the design, fabrication, and installation of an initial set of 25+ markers by July, and through a broader citywide application, which will open in Fall 2026.

“Historic markers help us see the city more clearly,” said Kathy Kottaridis, Director of the Office of Historic Preservation. “They bring forward the diverse people, places, and events that shaped Boston and ensure that the stories visible in our public landscape reflect the full richness of our communities. By marking these histories where they happened, we give residents and visitors perspective and a place in the long, evolving story of our continually changing city.”

This commemoration builds on the City’s ongoing efforts with state and local partners to shape a new, more inclusive experience of Boston’s revolutionary past and present for residents, families and tourists. In February 2026, Mayor Wu announced a partnership between Boston 250 and Everyone250, a coalition of more than 100 partners across Boston’s arts and cultural landscape, to place 25 new markers throughout Boston. This initiative marks the semiquincentennial and highlights underrepresented stories of Boston’s history, accompanied by an interactive digital map and guide. In Boston, Everyone250 has already unveiled markers at King’s Chapel, Union Church, Twelfth Baptist Church, and most recently, United South End Settlements on February 27. Additional Everyone250 unveilings are planned throughout the spring and summer. 

With America’s 250th anniversary as the catalyzing event, these events and announcements mark the beginning of a broader, long-term citywide effort to reimagine the way Boston tells and memorializes stories and history in the city. This effort is also part of a commemorative initiative led by Boston 250 in preparation for Boston’s upcoming 400th anniversary, with a goal to create up to 400 permanent historic markers throughout the City of Boston, highlighting the diverse people and experiences that have shaped the city over the centuries. Learn more about Boston 250 here.

This article was prepared by Genesis Pimentel, Commemorations Commission Manager. 

All Photographs: 

Photo 1: (Roxbury, MA 3/7/26) Mayor Michelle Wu attends the Boston 250 2026 Launch - Henry Knox Trail Stop in Roxbury. (Photo Courtesy of Mayor’s Office - Photo by John Wilcox).

Photo 2: (Roxbury, MA 2/8/26) Mayor Michelle Wu attends the Twelfth Baptist Square Honorary Street Sign Unveiling & Marker Event. (Photo Courtesy of Mayor’s Office - Photo by John Wilcox).