California Register of Historical Resources facts for kids

The California Register of Historical Resources is a special program in California. It helps people find, understand, and protect important historical places. These places could be buildings, sites, or objects that tell us about California's past.

This program helps everyone, from state agencies to local groups and even regular citizens. Its main goal is to make sure we remember and keep safe places that are important for their history, architecture, or culture. It also helps identify historical spots for city planning. Being on the Register can also help properties get special funding or protections under state environmental laws.

What Makes a Place Historic?

For a place to be added to the California Register, it needs to meet certain rules. These rules help decide if a place is truly important to history.

• Important Events: The place is connected to big events that shaped local, California, or even U.S. history. It tells a story about how things changed over time.
• Important People: The place is linked to the lives of people who were very important in local, California, or national history. Maybe a famous leader or inventor lived or worked there.
• Special Design or Art: The place shows off a unique style of building, a certain time period, or amazing craftsmanship. It might be a beautiful example of art or architecture.
• Hidden Information: The place has, or could have, valuable information about the past. This might be from old objects found there, or clues about how people lived long ago.

Why is it Important to Be on the Register?

Being listed on the California Register of Historical Resources brings several benefits and protections.

• Environmental Review: If a new building project might harm a registered historical property, it usually needs a special environmental check. This helps protect the historical site from damage. You can ask your local planning office for more details.
• Flexible Building Rules: The State Historical Building Code allows local building inspectors to approve different building rules. This means old buildings can be fixed up while keeping their historical look.
• Property Tax Help: Owners of registered properties might be able to get a property tax reduction. This happens through a special agreement called the Mills Act with their local government.
• Public Recognition: Property owners can choose to put up their own plaque or marker at the site. This helps everyone know that the place is an important historical resource.

See also

In Spanish: California Register of Historical Resources para niños

• National Register of Historic Places
• List of National Historic Landmarks in California