United States National Register of Historic Places listings

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Point Pinos Light during reconstruction (2013)

Fort Jay New York September 2016 002

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United States National Register of Historic Places listings

The United States National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is a federal program designed to identify, catalog, and provide support for the preservation of cultural resources that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. Administered by the National Park Service (NPS), which is part of the United States Department of the Interior, the program aims to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historical and archeological resources. Listings on the National Register can include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture at the local, state, or national level.

History and Purpose

The National Register of Historic Places was established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), which was enacted in response to growing concerns about the preservation of cultural resources that are significant to the American heritage. The program's primary goal is to support the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties by recognizing them and providing certain protections under federal law. Listing on the National Register is a formal acknowledgment of a property's historical significance and, in many cases, is a prerequisite for the allocation of federal grants for historic preservation projects.

Criteria for Listing

To be considered for listing on the National Register, a property must meet at least one of the four criteria for evaluation. These criteria consider the significance of the property in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. The property must:

• Be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
• Be associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
• Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
• Have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.

Types of Listings

Listings on the National Register can include a wide variety of properties, including:

• Historic Districts: Geographical areas that have a concentration of historic buildings, structures, sites, or objects linked by an historical or aesthetic significance.
• Sites: Locations of significant events, which can include archaeological sites.
• Buildings: Structures created to shelter any form of human activity.
• Structures: Constructions made for purposes other than creating human shelter.
• Objects: Artistic or functional items that are small in scale and simply constructed.

Benefits of Listing

Properties listed on the National Register may qualify for federal grants for historic preservation, provided funds are available. Listing also provides protection from destruction or adverse effects from federally funded, licensed, or permitted projects through a review process. Additionally, it raises awareness of a property's historical significance and can enhance community pride and identity.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the National Register is a vital tool for the preservation of historic properties, it has faced challenges and criticisms. Some argue that the process for listing properties can be complex and time-consuming, potentially deterring applicants. Others note that listing does not guarantee preservation, especially if a property is privately owned and not subject to public oversight. Despite these challenges, the National Register remains a cornerstone of historic preservation efforts in the United States.