The National Register of Historic Places: Preserving America's Heritage

Introduction to the National Register

The National Register of Historic Places serves as the official compilation of historic sites within the United States that are deemed significant enough to warrant preservation according to national standards. Managed by the National Park Service—a branch of the Department of the Interior—this register was formally established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. It is important to note that the scope of the register extends far beyond simple architecture; it encompasses a diverse array of categories, including:

• Buildings
• Sites (such as battlefields)
• Structures (such as bridges)
• Objects (such as artworks)
• Districts (such as specific neighborhoods)

While the register is conceptually similar to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, it is strictly confined to items located within the United States. In fact, many American UNESCO sites, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are also featured on the National Register. Today, the list has grown to include over 95,000 items, with at least one representative in almost every county in the country.

The Nomination and Evaluation Process

Getting an item listed on the National Register is a structured process that begins with a nomination. An interested party—which could be a local city government, a Native American tribe, or a private owner—must initiate the request. The primary point of contact for this process is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

During the evaluation phase, the SHPO assesses several key characteristics:

1. Age: Generally, an item must be at least 50 years old to qualify.
2. Integrity: The item should look much like it did in the past.
3. Significance: It must be associated with important historical events or serve as an important example of engineering, architecture, or archaeology.

A critical aspect of this process is the owner's consent. If a private owner does not want their property listed, it cannot be added to the register. If the nomination is approved by the SHPO, it is forwarded to the National Park Service in Washington, D.C., for a final decision.

Benefits and Responsibilities of Listing

Once an item is officially placed on the National Register, owners and caretakers gain access to specific incentives designed to aid in preservation. These include:

• Tax cuts and grants: Owners can apply for financial assistance from federal and private organizations to help maintain the site.
• Alternative safety codes: Listing can qualify a site for alternative fire and safety equipment codes. This is particularly beneficial for historic buildings that cannot easily be updated to meet modern standards without compromising their historical integrity.

While listing does not strictly prohibit changes to an item, accepting grants or tax credits may come with conditions that restrict modifications. Furthermore, while not required, many owners choose to display a plaque to signify their pride in the site’s historic status.

Public Accessibility

The National Park Service maintains a comprehensive, free public online database that contains detailed information regarding every item on the National Register. This transparency ensures that the history of these sites remains accessible to the public, allowing researchers and enthusiasts alike to explore the rich cultural and historical landscape of the United States.