Landmark Watch














	© 2012 Landmark Watch

NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS
ILLUSTRATING THE HERITAGE OF THE UNITED STATES

National Historic Landmarks make tangible the American experience. They are places where significant historical events occurred, where prominent Americans worked or lived, that represent those ideas that shaped the nation, that provide important information about our past, or that are outstanding examples of design or construction.

National Historic Landmarks guide us in comprehending important trends and patterns in American history. They form the common bonds that tie together the many groups that settled the country and provide anchors of stability in a fast-changing world, ensuring that the nation's heritage will be accessible to generations yet unborn.

While many historic places are important locally or on a state of regional level, a few have meaning for most Americans. Places that possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating and interpreting the heritage of the United States are designated National Historic Landmarks. They illuminate our rich and complex national story that spans more than 10,000 years, from the arrival of the ancient hunters who crossed into Alaska from Asia to the exploration of outer space. The story is there to be told in Presidential homes, on stretches of arctic tundra, in our rich seafaring and maritime heritage, on battlefields, at pueblo ruins and earthen mounds, in the nation's industrial facilities, in historic towns and communities, and in our masterpieces of architecture and engineering.

National Historic Landmarks Survey

How are National Historic Landmarks Designated?

National Historic Landmarks may be designated through broad organized initiatives called theme studies, which examine related places linked by a single subject or theme, or they may be identified individually. The National Park Service often conducts National Historic Landmark studies in partnership with federal, state, tribal, or local preservation officials; the academic community; independent scholars; and others knowledgeable about a particular subject. The National Park Service's National Historic landmarks Survey staff prepares nominations, advises others on their preparation, and evaluates potential National Historic Landmark nominees for their ability to meet specific criteria. The National Park System Advisory Board considers completed nominations at meetings that open are open to the public. Based upon the recommendations of the Board, the Secretary of the Interior designates National Historic Landmarks.

What Does National Historic Landmark Designation Mean?

• National Historic Landmark designation recognizes properties that are important to the entire nation.

• National Historic Landmarks are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

• Owners of National Historic Landmarks are free to manage their property as they choose, provided no federal license, permit, or funding is involved.

• Federal agencies whose projects affect a National Historic Landmark must give the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on the project and its effects on the property.

Owners of National Historic landmarks may be able to obtain federal historic preservation funding, when funds are available. Federal investment tax credits for rehabilitation and other provisions may apply.

A bronze plaque bearing the name of the National Historic Landmark and attesting to its national significance is presented to the owner upon request.

Most National Historic Landmarks are owned by private individuals or groups. Others are owned by local, state, tribal, or federal government agencies, or have mixed public-private ownership. Owners and public officials are given an opportunity to comment on National Historic Landmark nominations, and private owners of potential National Historic Landmarks are given the opportunity to concur in or object to their designation. National Historic Landmark designation offers advantages to owners who wish to preserve their properties. It aids decision making by government agencies, private organizations, and individuals because it is the primary federal means of assessing the national significance of historic properties. Information on National Historic Landmark designation is used for planning, public education, and interpretation.

National Historic Landmark Assistance

What is the National Historic Landmarks Assistance Initiative?

Once designated, the National Park Service commits to assist in the preservation of these irreplaceable properties through the National Historic Landmarks Assistance Initiative. The Assistance Initiative promotes the preservation of National Historic Landmarks through technical assistance to their stewards---owners, managers, and friends groups--and education of the general public about the importance of National Historic Landmarks. The National Park Service works with partners such as other federal agencies, state governments, Indian tribes, local governments, colleges and universities, private organizations and individuals, and nonprofit organization such as the national Park foundation, the national Parks and Conservation Association, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to educate and assist the public in preserving its historic heritage.

Its Mission is to:

• Ensure the long term preservation of National Historic landmarks.

• Provide technical support and assistance to owners, managers, and friends groups of National Park Service and other federal agencies; state, tribal, and local governments; nonprofit organizations; and individuals to enhance the protection of these unique places.

• Educate the public about national Historic Landmarks to build support for their protection and that of the nation's heritage.

• Teach the stories inherent in these important resources.

What are Endangered Landmarks?

Unfortunately, at any moment, some 16% of designated National Historic Landmarks are at risk for destruction or loss. Some owners cannot afford to maintain their Landmarks. Others choose not to. The federal government has no power to make owners maintain their property, even if it is important to the heritage of all of us. Deterioration is the major threat to National Historic landmarks. Other threats include demolition, natural disasters, commercial and residential development and residential development pressure, inappropriate alterations, and vandalism. Threats such as these destroy the historic character of National Historic Landmarks and their ability to commemorate and tell important stories.

The National Historic Landmarks Assistance Initiative continually monitors the condition of National Historic Landmarks and sends a periodic report to Congress and others who are interest in the future of these properties. Legislators and officials use the report in planning for the protection of national Historic Landmarks. Owners use the report in seeking funding for repairs and in developing coalitions to protect their properties. If you are ar interested in receiving a copy of the report, contact the National Historic Landmarks Assistance Initiative at: National Park Service; 1849 C Street, N. W., Mail Stop 2280; Washington, DC 20240. Phone: (202) 343-8174 or (202) 343-9591.

This material is partially based upon work conducted under a cooperative agreement with the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.