History
This house is a fine example of the two story Georgian dwellings built in Newburyport during the early-to-mid eighteenth century. The house is, in fact, two attached dwellings. If detached, each would have a symmetrical five bay facade. The building is two stories in height and has a hipped roof. Each of the dwellings has a central chimney. The doorways had been altered, but are now closer to their original character.
The earliest owner of this house has yet to be documented. It is quite possible that this house was owned by Offin Boardman. Boardman laid out a way through his land in 1754. It was thereafter called Boardman’s Lane. Offin Boardman was the owner of several Merrimack-built vessels.
In 1851 this property was owned by Mrs. Judith Boardman. Also in residence at the time was Greenleaf Boardman who ran a livery stable on Merrimac Street. Prior to 1872 the property was conveyed to Mrs. Hannah T Marshall. Also in residence at that time was Henry O. Marshall, mariner, and Offin B. Marshall, carpenter. Later Offin B. Marshall willed the house to Alice V. Goodwin who owned it until 1927.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984), contributing in the 1984 nomination · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 50-41 · Zone R2
Zoning Board of Appeals decides
Listed as contributing in 1984, so removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, counted cumulatively since 2014 and including walls enclosed by an addition or openings filled in, needs a DCOD special permit; the Board may grant one only if the building retains no substantial remaining market value or reasonable use. The Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing siding, or windows and doors in their openings, does not count.
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1707, so 75 or more years old: removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, changing the roofline (pitch, towers, cupolas, anything projecting above the roof), moving it, or adding a dormer that misses the setback and pitch rules is "demolition" under the demolition delay ordinance. The Commission holds a hearing within 30 days and may impose a delay of up to 18 months. In the DCOD the wall test goes to the Zoning Board instead; the Commission keeps roofline, roof pitch and dormer work. Parts of the building documented as younger than 75 years are excluded on a written determination by the Zoning Administrator.
Code of Ordinances ch. 5 art. X, §§5-307–5-308 (June 2026) ↗
Zoning Administrator first stop
Every project starts with a zoning determination from the Zoning Administrator, which says which of these reviews apply and whether the work also needs zoning relief (a special permit for a non-conformity, or a variance). Fees, forms and filing deadlines are on the City’s site.
Not legal advice, not an official City publication, and not the position of the Historical Commission or any board. Says what the ordinances say as of September 30, 2026; the Zoning Administrator decides what applies. Boundaries: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission / City of Newburyport GIS (MIMAP); 1984 status from the National Register nomination's district data sheets. City's quick guide to the DCOD and demolition delay ↗ · Do I need approval? Project by project →
From the archive
4 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built Before 1775
Sources
- Captain Offin Boardman, circa 1787, Oil on canvas, Christian Gullager, Worcester Art Museum.
- Sarah Greenleaf Boardman and Benjamin Greenleaf Boardman, circa 1787, Oil on canvas, Christian Gullager, Worcester Art Museum.
- McIntyre, H. (Henry). "Plan of Newburyport Mass. from an actual survey." Map. 1851.
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.455
- Biff Bouse, Instagram post (@newburyportarchitecture), 2020-04-05
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 11 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)