The National Register of Historic Places is the United States’ official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation. Managed by the National Park Service, this register plays a crucial role in recognizing and protecting the nation’s cultural and historical resources.
Definition and Purpose
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) aims to document and promote the preservation of historical and archeological places. Established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the NRHP serves as a coordinated, national program to support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Types of Properties Listed
There are several categories of properties that can be listed in the NRHP:
- Districts: Collections of buildings, sites, structures, or objects that form a cohesive historical entity.
- Sites: Locations of significant events, activities, or archaeological remains.
- Buildings: Individual constructions used for human activities, such as homes, offices, and schools.
- Structures: Functional constructions that are not used for shelter, such as bridges or water towers.
- Objects: Tangible items that are primarily artistic in nature or relatively small in scale and simply constructed, such as monuments.
Criteria for Evaluation
Properties are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Criterion A: Locations associated with significant events in history.
- Criterion B: Places connected to the lives of significant persons.
- Criterion C: Distinguished architectural styles or construction methods.
- Criterion D: Sites that have or are likely to yield significant archaeological data.
Historical Context
The concept of historic preservation began to take shape in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 that a formalized, national-level effort was established. This act created the National Register of Historic Places and set forth guidelines for identifying and preserving historic sites.
Benefits of Listing
Being listed in the NRHP provides several benefits:
- Recognition: Official acknowledgment of a property’s historical, architectural, or cultural significance.
- Protection: Consideration in the planning of federally funded or permitted projects.
- Incentives: Potential eligibility for federal preservation grants and tax incentives.
Special Considerations
While listing on the National Register of Historic Places is primarily honorary, it serves as an important tool for preservation advocacy and awareness. It does not, however, directly restrict property owners’ use of the site. Local ordinances or other regulations may apply irrespective of NRHP status.
Examples of Notable Listings
- Independence Hall (Philadelphia, PA): The site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted.
- The Alamo (San Antonio, TX): A pivotal site in the Texas Revolution.
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Atlanta, GA): Includes the civil rights leader’s childhood home and the church where he preached.
Comparisons
- World Heritage Sites: Managed by UNESCO, World Heritage Sites include locations of global cultural or natural significance, surpassing the national scope of the NRHP.
- State Historic Registers: Many states maintain their own registers of historic places, often paralleling federal efforts but operating independently.
Related Terms
- Historic Preservation: The act of preserving buildings, landscapes, objects, or other artifacts of historical significance.
- Cultural Heritage: The legacy of tangible and intangible assets inherited from past generations, maintained in the present, and bestowed for the benefit of future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can a property be listed on the National Register? A: A property can be nominated through a process that includes research and documentation, review by state preservation offices, and final approval by the National Park Service.
Q: Does listing restrict a property owner’s rights? A: No, listing on the NRHP does not impose restrictions on property owners, although other local or state regulations may apply.
Q: Are there financial benefits for listed properties? A: Yes, owners of listed properties may be eligible for federal grants for preservation activities and tax incentives.
References
- National Park Service. (n.d.). National Register of Historic Places Program: Fundamentals. Retrieved from NPS.gov
- National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Pub.L. 89–665, 80 Stat. 915, 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.
Summary
The National Register of Historic Places is a vital component of the United States’ efforts to preserve its historical and cultural heritage. By documenting and recognizing noteworthy places across the country, the NRHP ensures that future generations can experience and learn from the rich tapestry of American history.
