Norwell Explores Future of Historic Jacobs Farmhouse

Norwell officials are examining the future of the town-owned Jacobs Farmhouse, discussing options that could shift maintenance and liability away from the town while preserving the property’s historical integrity.

During the February 5 Select Board meeting, members raised concerns about the costs and legal complexities of maintaining the 18th-century farmhouse, which is currently under a historic preservation restriction.

“This remains the most prudent approach for us to take,” Select Board Member Bruce Graham said. “I think the liability being unlimited is just not worth whatever pittance we might get as rental income if we're able to secure standalone coverage.”

One option under consideration is transferring ownership of the farmhouse to a nonprofit trust, similar to models used for historic properties in other Massachusetts towns. Such a move could allow for private fundraising and more cost-effective maintenance while ensuring public access.

“If there's a way to have somebody else own that house and have it look the same, be maintained more efficiently at a lower cost and still provide the amenities to the public that it's intended to and generate some rental income … then I think it's a win for everybody,” Graham added.

Town counsel Robert Galvin confirmed that a sale or transfer would trigger a right-of-first-refusal clause with Historic New England, which holds a preservation restriction on the property.

“If we decided to sell it, we’d have to offer it back to them at whatever we were going to sell it for and they would decide whether to purchase it or not,” Galvin explained.

Galvin also noted that the preservation agreement, established in 1989, contains numerous restrictions that limit potential changes to the property’s use.

“There are restrictions on the structures on the property and some uses that are limited there, but generally speaking, the main farmhouse does permit a residential use and the use that we're currently making of it as a museum,” he said.

Concerns over liability and maintenance costs were key drivers behind the discussion. The property includes lead paint, which, while encapsulated, could pose legal risks if rented for residential use.

“Most of our liability protections lie in Chapter 258, which is the [Massachusetts] Tort Claims Act,” Galvin said. “The types of claims that could be advanced by someone that was refused the position of a caretaker on the basis of discrimination are not barred by claims of that nature.”

Some residents and historical preservation advocates have voiced cautious support for exploring alternatives to town ownership, provided the farmhouse remains protected.

“The Historical Society is cautiously optimistic about the potential for this,” said Wendy Bawabe, president of the Norwell Historical Society.

Officials emphasized that no decisions have been made and that further research is needed. Galvin will provide a legal opinion outlining the town’s options, which will guide the next steps in the process.

“Let's slow it down,” Bawabe advised.

The Select Board plans to revisit the issue after reviewing Galvin’s legal findings and gathering input from stakeholders, including Historic New England and the Norwell Historical Society.

The costs associated with owning and maintain the farmhouse have been debated for years. For example, one of the more debated issues of the Norwell's 2017 was the allocation of $150,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to remove lead paint from the rental apartment at the historic Jacobs Farmhouse. In addition to lead paint concerns, the building had accessibility issues that they town was also required to address.