Michigan State Historic Preservation Office facts for kids
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1966 |
| Jurisdiction | State of Michigan |
| Headquarters | 735 East Michigan Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48912 |
| Parent agency | Michigan Economic Development Corporation |
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (MSHPO) is a special group in Michigan. It helps protect and celebrate important historical places across the state. This office is one of 59 similar groups in the United States. They were all created because of a law called the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
The main goal of the MSHPO is to make sure that Michigan's history is saved for future generations. They do this by finding and recognizing old buildings, sites, and objects that are important. They also help decide which places should be added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of the nation's most important historic sites.
The MSHPO also checks how new building projects might affect historic places. They work with different levels of government and private groups to help them protect historical resources.
In the past, this office also helped list Michigan's own state historic sites and ran a program for historical markers. Now, these jobs are handled by the Michigan History Center and Eastern Michigan University.
Contents
What Does the MSHPO Do?
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office has several key roles to play in protecting Michigan's past.
Finding and Recognizing Historic Places
One of the MSHPO's main tasks is to find and identify places that have historical importance. This means they look for old buildings, archaeological sites, and other spots that tell a story about Michigan's history. Once they find these places, they work to officially recognize them.
Adding Places to the National Register
The MSHPO helps decide which historic places in Michigan should be added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a very important list that includes sites from all over the country. Being on this list can help protect a place and make it eligible for special grants or tax benefits.
Protecting Historic Resources from New Projects
When new roads, buildings, or other projects are planned, the MSHPO reviews them. They check to see if these new projects might harm any historic places. If there's a risk, they work to find ways to protect the historic site or reduce the impact. This helps balance new development with the need to save our history.
Supporting Preservation Efforts
The MSHPO also supports other groups that want to protect historic places. This includes working with state and local governments, as well as private organizations. They offer advice, information, and sometimes even help with funding for preservation projects.
Who Manages the MSHPO?
Since August 11, 2019, the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office has been managed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This corporation helps Michigan's economy grow, and part of that includes preserving the state's unique historical and cultural heritage.
