History of the National Register of Historic Places facts for kids
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States' official list of places important to history. It helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are special because of their history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
This important list was created in 1966 by the United States government through a law called the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The National Park Service (NPS) was put in charge of the Register from the start. Over the years, the Register has grown and changed, even moving to a different agency for a short time before returning to the National Park Service.
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How the Register Began
Before the National Register was created, the National Park Service already had programs to study history. These programs were brought together in Washington, D.C., in 1966. This was part of a big plan called "MISSION 66."
On October 15, 1966, the Historic Preservation Act officially created the National Register of Historic Places. It also set up offices in each state called State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs). At first, the Register included places already recognized as National Historic Landmarks. It also listed other historic sites within the National Park system.
This law was the first time the U.S. had a wide-ranging plan to protect historic places. While being on the Register didn't automatically protect a property, it made federal agencies think about how their projects might affect historic sites. These agencies had to work with the SHPOs and another group, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP).
The National Park Service was chosen to lead this new program. They already managed many historic places and had experience with surveys like the Historic American Buildings Survey. To handle the new Register, the NPS created a special group called the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP). This group oversaw existing programs and the new NRHP.
Ernest Connally was the first director of the OAHP. He believed that protecting history should involve experts in history, architecture, and archeology. The first official Keeper of the Register was William J. Murtagh, an expert in architectural history.
In the early years (late 1960s and early 1970s), the state offices were small and didn't have much money or staff. Funds were given to help property owners with repairs, especially for house museums and commercial buildings. The state offices were very busy just trying to save historic places and build their organizations.
Changes and Growth
In 1973, the National Park Service's history programs were divided into two main groups. One group, the Assistant Directorate for Archeology and Historic Preservation (ADAHP), handled historic sites outside the national parks. This included the National Register. The other group, the Assistant Directorate for Park Historic Preservation (ADPHP), focused on historic sites inside the national parks.
Tax Help for Historic Places
Before 1976, federal tax rules actually made it easier to build new structures than to fix up old, historic ones. But after 1976, the rules changed. New tax incentives were created to encourage people to preserve historic properties that earned money, like businesses or rental homes.
The National Park Service became responsible for making sure that only good quality repairs qualified for these tax benefits. If a property was on the National Register, or part of an approved historic district, it could get these tax breaks.
Today, owners of income-producing historic properties can get a 20% tax credit for approved repairs. This means they can reduce the amount of tax they owe. This program is managed by the National Park Service, the SHPOs, and the Internal Revenue Service. There's also a 10% tax credit for non-historic buildings built before 1936.
The law that created the Register didn't treat National Historic Landmarks differently from other listed properties for tax benefits. This was done on purpose. It prevented one type of historic place from being seen as less important than another.
Moving to a New Agency
From 1978 to 1981, the National Register was moved to a new agency called the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service (HCRS). This happened under President Jimmy Carter's administration. The HCRS took over all historic preservation programs that used to be under the National Park Service.
However, the HCRS faced challenges. Its leader, Chris T. Delaporte, had a strong management style and wasn't very experienced in historic preservation. This caused problems between the state and federal groups working on historic preservation.
When Ronald Reagan became president, his new Secretary of the Interior, James G. Watt, closed down the HCRS. This brought the National Register and other programs back to the National Park Service in 1981.
Coming Back Together
In 1983, the two main groups within the National Park Service that dealt with historic preservation were combined. This was done to make things work more smoothly. Jerry L. Rogers, a skilled leader, was chosen to head this new combined group. He understood the importance of working with state offices, universities, and local governments.
Working with State Offices
The National Historic Preservation Act set up a system where states play a big role. While the federal government set the standards, the states do much of the work. The SHPOs became very important for listing properties on the National Register. The law was updated in 1980 to clearly define the responsibilities of the SHPOs.
By 1987, there were SHPOs in all fifty states and several territories. These offices help manage the National Register and its programs. They also monitor the repair work on historic places. The National Park Service sets the rules and manages the grants, while the SHPOs carry out the day-to-day work.
Growing Numbers
The National Register of Historic Places has grown a lot since it started in 1966.
- In 1986, over 3,600 properties, sites, and districts were nominated. This included about 75,000 separate properties.
- By 1998, there were over 1,400,000 buildings, sites, and structures listed on the Register, including historic districts and individual buildings.
- Each year, about 30,000 more are added.
- In 2021, there were over 95,000 total listings in the National Register of Historic Places.
