Formerly known as the Signs of The Times, the Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich’s landmark registry program dates to 1987 when it was founded by Claire Vanderbilt, then President of the Society, in an effort to catalogue the town’s old houses. Since then, the Historical Society has awarded plaques to the owners of over 260 historically/architecturally significant properties. The program is not officially limited to houses, but the majority of plaques go to historic residences. The plaque describes the structure’s first occupant and the year it was built.

Evaluations are made by the program’s professional architectural consultant, Nils Kerschus, who has worked with the program since its inception. In 2006, David Ogilvy of David Ogilvy and Associates, a Greenwich real estate firm, became the program’s sponsor.

The registry is in place to increase awareness of the historical significance of the structures in Greenwich. It does not restrict an owner's right to modify and/or demolish their buildings. Greater protection of historic resources can be provided by a preservation easement or if applicable, place it in an historic district both of which are solely at the owner’s discretion.

Each year, owners of eligible structures are invited to enroll in the program for a fee. Every participant receives a packet of information that includes title search on the home (which verifies the original occupant as well as the date of the structure’s creation); an architectural survey/statement of significance of the house (exterior and/or interior depending upon the occupant’s choice); a photograph of the structure and a bronze plaque.

The William E. Finch Jr., Archives maintains files on each of the documented structures.