The Swampscott Historic District Study Committee and Chris Skelly, director of local government programs for the Massachusetts Historical Commission, took a walking tour on June 27. The committee was formed earlier this year by the Board of Selectmen, at the request of the Historical Commission, with the purpose of examining the potential creation of a local historic district in the Humphrey Street area. The district would preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of buildings and significant places in the history of the town, to maintain and improve the settings of those buildings and places, and to encourage new designs that are compatible with existing structures. The committee has a vacant seat and is seeking a volunteer to help with the study. Those interested in volunteering can check information at www.town.swampscott.ma.us or call Town Planner S. Peter Kane at 781-596-8829.