The Historical Commission will have an opening soon, as current member George Ripley V is stepping down.

Persons interested in filling the vacancy can submit a letter of intent to the Select Board at 400 Slocum Road. Ripley suggests attending a Historical Commission meeting first to make sure the position is a good match.

Historical Commission members "advise the Select Board on historical matters," said member Judy Lund. She listed demolition delays, the fate of Old Southworth Library, the fate of the old North Dartmouth Library, and preservation awards as agenda items for the upcoming monthly meeting.

Ripley's three-year-term ends in June 2017, said Lund, and anyone filling that vacancy would complete the rest of his term before having to resubmit a letter of intent for another term. All of the nine commission seats must reapply after their terms have ended.

The position is unpaid, but meets on the first Monday night of every month, except if there is a Monday holiday, said Lund.

Ripley will step down due to his scheduled move to New Bedford with his soon-to-be wife in March. Only Dartmouth residents are allowed to serve on town boards.

Ripley has served the commission for about five years over two stints, the first being as an upperclassman in college, he said.

"I stepped down my senior year because I had too much going on," he said. Ripley was asked back for his latest run as commission member.