National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers

09/04/2024

South Dakota State Historical Society seeking input!

PIERRE — The State Historic Preservation Office of the South Dakota State Historical Society is preparing for its federal fiscal year 2025 grant application and invites public comment through …

08/26/2024

"It’s about understanding the value of history, the importance of community, and the need for resilience and adaptability. It’s about respecting the land, embracing change, and finding that delicate balance between innovation and tradition."

Just as New Englanders know the value of a well-preserved historic home, real estate investors should recognize the potential in older buildings.

08/23/2024

How about a little fun to start off your weekend?

The Miniature Golf Course at East Potomac Golf Links was built in 1931
And is the oldest continually operating mini golf course in the country.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the golf course has seen significant investment.

https://www.nbcwashington.com/entertainment/the-scene/countrys-oldest-miniature-golf-course-gets-1m-restoration-in-dc/3700896/?_osource=SocialFlowFB_DCBrand&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1clppDsa8TOspzlaOFQbqU47fVPmerASYcQVI0AdTZHWjd0eaKDEQlGbk_aem_kr12tpKVGW4taH30GamT9A

The oldest continuously operating miniature-golf course in the country — not far from the Jefferson Memorial — recently received a $1 million restoration.

08/23/2024

What is the earliest build date for a building in your state to reach the National Register of Historic Places?

Take a peek at the recently national register-listed 1972 Bryan Tower located in Dallas, Texas.

This 40 story commercial skyscraper was listed under “Criterion A in the area of Community Planning and Development at the local level of significance for its role as a catalyst in bringing development back to downtown Dallas during the early 1970s”.
The building exterior is comprised of Thermopane glass and the overall building design is that of Miesian influence.

It is through the efforts of SHPOs like the Texas Historical Commission that future generations will have knowledge of our nations built heritage.

National Register of Historic Places - NPS

Photo credit: Squire Haskins Photography, Inc.
'Dallas skyline aerial view (1972)'

08/22/2024

Mark your calendar for this National Trust for Historic Preservation webinar on September 19 - African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Conversation Series: Architecture & Identity.

Black Modernism, the adaptation and influence of the Black American experience in modern architecture and design, has been vastly undervalued and under-researched. However, the works of Black American architects and their design contributions are still present and visible today. Join curator and scholar Dr. Michelle Wilkinson for a discussion with architects, preservationists, and historians on the challenges and opportunities of stewarding and interpreting Black Modernism and the cultural significance of Black American architects.

This conversation is part of the Action Fund's Conversation Series, which will rebroadcast critical dialogues from the Cultural Preservation Leadership Summit held at the Ford Foundation's Center for Social Justice in New York City throughout 2024.

https://savingplaces.org/upcoming-webinars

08/22/2024

Pretty in Pink - the Villa de Leon National Register-listed apartment building in Tampa, FL heads to a city council vote tomorrow seeking approval to elevate the historic 22-unit, three-story structure by more than seven feet, and add 22 parking spaces under it - citing the need to raise electrical and mechanical systems above the flood zone.

The owner says this is necessary to protect the 22 pink apartments from flooding.

08/21/2024

There are a few days left for the public to submit feedback on the ACHP’s updated draft Exemption for Indigenous Knowledge-Informed Activities by Native Hawaiian Organizations. This action proposes to exempt from historic preservation review under Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act certain restoration, rehabilitation, preservation, and reconstruction activities that are carried out, permitted, or funded by federal agencies and proposed, directed, authorized, or supported by NHOs. The Exemption would cover the types of preservation activities that are encouraged by the National Historic Preservation Act, including: traditional landscaping practices and agricultural activities, restoration of water features, restoration of sacred and traditional sites, installation of interpretive signage, and the reconstruction or restoration of traditional and cultural Native Hawaiian buildings and structures. Full details can be found here: https://www.achp.gov/native-hawaiians/exemption

The public comment period is open through Monday, Aug. 26 and comments may be sent to: [email protected]

National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers Historic Hawaii Foundation: HHF APIAHiP: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation

08/20/2024

"Often it’s not the architecture of a building that makes it historically special, but what happened inside a building’s walls.

Such is the case of Kansas City’s former Fire Station No. 11, a two-story limestone building — constructed of thick stone block with art deco columns — that in 1931 became the new home of what, for 51 years, had been the city’s first and only all-Black fire brigade."

https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article291082735.html

Missouri State Parks
Heritage & Historic Preservation - NPS

Fire Station No. 11 holds a special place in Kansas City history.

08/09/2024

Re-survey efforts are critical to keeping historic preservation relevant. It allows us to take an additional look and fill in any gaps in knowledge and expand the lens that we see a specific site through.

In Walker County, GA a grant in the amount of $20,000 was made available for this purpose under the Federal Historic Preservation Fund, made available by the Georgia Historic Preservation Division.

This re-survey will begin in the southeastern portion of the county and catalog the correct age of buildings and other structures - such as bridges, fortifications, and monuments in the survey area. The Walker County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will provide volunteer assistance for review and research.

Walker County will receive $20,000 from a federal grant program administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The funds will be used to begin

08/09/2024

"The National Park Service has completed and delivered the Fort Ontario Special Resource Study to Congress. The study concludes that a portion of the area encompassing four historic buildings, all of which are associated with the World War II era Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter, meet all established criteria for new National Park System units. This was the only refugee shelter established in the United States for Europeans fleeing World War II.

The study finds that the former gatehouse and three adjacent historic buildings on approximately two acres of land owned by the City of Oswego meet all Congressionally established criteria for new additions to the national park system."

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/national-park-service-completes-study-evaluating-fort-ontario-in-new-york-for-potential-inclusion-in-national-park-system.htm

NY State Parks & Historic Sites

WASHINGTON — The National Park Service (NPS) has completed and delivered the Fort Ontario Special Resource Study to Congress. The study concludes that a portion of the area encompassing four historic buildings, all of which are associated with the World War II era Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Sh...

08/08/2024

State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHPO) in the news!

Deputy SHPO Andrew Clark offers guidance on what to do with found artifacts.

Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Andrew Clark said that depending on where you find artifacts in the state, there are different regulations. For ...

08/06/2024

Mark your calendar to hear from our colleagues at the National Trust for Historic Preservation at their Aug 28 webinar providing an update on (3) “11 Most Endangered” Historic Places.

For over 35 years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places has highlighted places under threat across the United States. Placement on the 11 Most list can be a powerful tool for raising the profile of these important sites, helping them to attract attention, funding, and support. Join Preservation Leadership Forum for a conversation about what happens after a site is placed on the 11 Most list.

California: Harada House in Riverside (Listed 2020)
Mississippi: L.V. Hull Home & Studio in Kosciusko (Listed 2023)
Texas: Cindy Walker House in Mexia (Listed 2024)

https://savingplaces.org/upcoming-webinars

California Office of Historic Preservation
Mississippi Department of Archives & History
Texas Historical Commission

The Forum Webinar Series gives viewers a chance to receive timely and informative content while interacting directly with content experts—right from their desk chair.

08/03/2024

Preservation Brief 51 was recently issued by the Technical Preservation Services office of the National Park Service.

Building Codes for Historic and Existing Buildings: Planning and Maximizing their Application.

The Brief provides information on how to meet the goals of building codes while also preserving or minimizing alterations to the character-defining features, spaces, materials, and finishes of historic buildings. It presents an overview of the most widely adopted codes in the United States and their development and describes the specific provisions for historic buildings contained in these codes. It provides guidance for selecting the optimal code compliance method and suggests best practices for achieving code-compliant solutions that also allow for the preservation of a building’s historic character.

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/upload/preservation-brief-51-building-codes.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawEbBptleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUvzjllfWF3hXCF5RJ13-peWTKJjjEad2iDRt1VVtalao8ut0A7Kj1_TZg_aem_d6AXmG7LjS5e71p12TmkGw

08/02/2024

We're having a great time at NAPC Forum catching up with colleagues, attending sessions, experiencing local tours, and connecting on all things historic preservation!

National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
National Park Service
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Georgia Historic Preservation Division
Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
Alabama Historical Commission
Florida Division of Historical Resources
Oregon Heritage
NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources
History Nebraska
Tennessee Historical Commission
Wisconsin Historical Society
KSHPO - Kansas State Historic Preservation Office
Kentucky Heritage Council - SHPO
Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

08/01/2024

Stop 2: Gulf Stream Hotel project

Kentucky Heritage Council - SHPO
Tennessee Historical Commission
Georgia Historic Preservation Division
History Nebraska
Wisconsin Historical Society
Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources
Oregon Heritage
Florida Division of Historical Resources
KSHPO - Kansas State Historic Preservation Office
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Alabama Historical Commission
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

08/01/2024

Following the NCSHPO summer board meeting yesterday, colleagues are exploring sites in SE Florida today courtesy of the Florida Division of Historical Resources

1st stop: Riverbend Park

National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
National Trust for Historic Preservation
National Park Service
Georgia Historic Preservation Division
Alabama Historical Commission
Tennessee Historical Commission
Kentucky Heritage Council - SHPO
NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources
Oregon Heritage
Wisconsin Historical Society
Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office
History Nebraska
Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
KSHPO - Kansas State Historic Preservation Office
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

07/30/2024

SAVE THE DATE for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week March 3-6, 2025!

Join Preservation Action, National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, along with colleague national preservation organizations and make an impact on Capitol Hill.

National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
American Cultural Resources Association - ACRA
National Trust for Historic Preservation
National Trust Community Investment Corporation
ACHP - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Heritage Documentation Programs, NPS
National Register of Historic Places - NPS
National Park Service

https://preservationaction.org/advocacyweek/

07/29/2024

Getting acquainted with some history and architecture we will see in West Palm Beach, FL this week at NAPC Forum!

National Alliance of Preservation Commissions

Explore the profound significance of safeguarding historical structures nestled in the heart of downtown areas, with a deep dive into the captivating history...

07/26/2024

Eager to hear about the present and future of the historic preservation workforce? Join NCSHPO at NAPC Forum in West Palm Beach, Florida next week to learn about the work of NCSHPOs Workforce Committee. Get a sense of what colleagues in the field are experiencing and engage on this important issue!

Session Info: Friday, August 2nd | 3-4:30 p.m. | Location: Coral Salon C

https://forum.napcommissions.org/

National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
National Park Service
Heritage Documentation Programs, NPS
Heritage & Historic Preservation - NPS
National Register of Historic Places - NPS
ACHP - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Action

07/25/2024

In use for decades, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards guide rehabilitation projects on approaches, treatments, and decisions to achieve desired preservation outcomes.

Join NCSHPO at NAPC Forum next week for a look at the work of our SOI committee - which has undertaken a review of the Standards. Are they flexible or inflexible? Has the interpretation changed over time? Are they consistently applied?

Session Info: Friday, August 2nd | 1:15-2:45 | Location: Oceana Salon AB

https://forum.napcommissions.org/sessions

National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
National Park Service
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Heritage & Historic Preservation - NPS
National Register of Historic Places - NPS
ACHP - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Preservation Action

07/23/2024

📣 Calling all communities that want to highlight local history with a fully-funded historical marker! Our Hometown Heritage grant program helps commemorate your community’s history, especially for those in states without marker programs or for subjects which may not qualify for the applicant’s state marker program. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and local, state and federal government entities within the U.S., except in New York State where we offer our NYS program. For complete program guidelines, marker criteria and how to apply online, go to our website: https://www.wgpfoundation.org/history/hometown-heritage/

📸: Sample of the Hometown Heritage marker design.

07/22/2024

Michigan State Historic Preservation Office awards $250k in historic preservation grants to 7 communities!

“For more than forty years, the CLG program has helped create partnerships that support communities in their efforts to plan for, invest in, and tell the story of their irreplaceable heritage assets,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan M. Schumaker. “This year’s awards continue to build on that tradition, and SHPO looks forward to working collaboratively with these recipients to support important local efforts.”

The grants will benefit local preservation and community planning goals in Charlevoix, Coldwater, Detroit, Flat Rock, Holland, Livonia, and Washtenaw County.

07/19/2024

How much of an issue is obtaining insurance for an old or historic building in your state? Are residents facing challenges in obtaining it at all? Or is it doable, but at inflated costs?

If you missed the recent insurance webinar from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, you can now watch the recording.

Stephanie Cherry-Farmer of the Georgia Historic Preservation Division (SHPO), offers her perspective along with other professionals knowledgeable in this issue.

National Trust Insurance Services, LLC.
Preservation Action
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places - NPS
Heritage & Historic Preservation - NPS
Heritage Documentation Programs, NPS

This webinar took place on July 16, 2024. Challenges associated with insuring both commercial and residential historic properties has become increasingly mor...

07/17/2024

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today formally established Blackwell School National Historic Site in Texas as the nation’s newest national park. The park is the seventh national park unit designated under President Biden. Recent additions include the designation of Amache Nat...

07/12/2024

Tune in next week to hear more about the challenges surrounding insuring historic properties from our colleagues at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, speaker Stephanie Cherry-Farmer of the Georgia Historic Preservation Division (SHPO), and others.

"Challenges associated with insuring both commercial and residential historic properties has become increasingly more difficult—with fewer and fewer companies willing to insure historic properties and soaring premiums, historic property owners are often at a disadvantage."

https://savingplaces-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/8417164986372/WN_F317-k75RQum8BHyAxIBfg #/registration

Preservation Action
Heritage & Historic Preservation - NPS
ACHP - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

07/10/2024

Save the Date! Preservation Action Foundation's Annual Auction and Fundraiser returns Oct. 28th during the 2024 PastForward Conference in New Orleans. Plan to join us at the Historic BK House and Gardens immediately following the conference's opening reception and help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of Preservation Action! https://preservationaction.org/auction/

07/10/2024

Will we see you at PastForward this October? Join the National Trust for Historic Preservation in New Orleans October 28-30th!

PastForward 2024 will kick off a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the National Trust and will address three of our nation’s biggest challenges: Creating Climate Resilience Through Historic Preservation, Ensuring a Representative Preservation Movement, and Encouraging Historic Preservation-Based Community Development. Registration is now live!

Join us for the PastForward Preservation Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 28-30, 2024.

07/09/2024

The ACHP, the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, and Department of Homeland Security recently executed a Nationwide Programmatic Agreement that will make it easier to maintain, repair, and upgrade their historic facilities to better address climate resiliency. Activities covered include sealing ducts, replacing and installing windows (including interior storm windows), upgrading lighting, installing water and energy metering, elevating mechanical equipment, installing solar systems and solar screens, installing flood shields and temporary waterproof membranes, among many others. ACHP Chair Sara Bronin says the NPA “provides an example for others to adapt and mitigate climate impacts, while simultaneously protecting historic buildings.” Read more here: https://www.achp.gov/news/achp-ncshpo-and-dhs-sign-nationwide-programmatic-agreement-resilience-and-sustainability

07/08/2024

"A radar scan, conducted on two-acres of the area at the end of 2023, revealed that at least 134 graves are intact. This revelation confirmed that the space, active from 1816 to 1879, was indeed a cemetery and not merely a memorial."

Archaeologists have made the surprising discovery of intact graves at the seemingly desecrated Shockoe Hill cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.

07/04/2024

Wishing you a Happy Fourth of July!

On this Independence Day, we look forward to continuing efforts toward celebrating our nations upcoming historic milestone of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

NCSHPO supports the efforts of America250 in the lead-up to this monumental occasion to celebrate our shared history and inspire future generations.

Visit america250.org to learn more about how you can get involved in this incredible journey to 2026.