Washington State Heritage Register facts for kids
The Washington Heritage Register is a special list of important places and properties all across Washington state in the United States. Think of it like a "hall of fame" for buildings, parks, and other spots that have a cool story or are really important to the history and culture of Washington.
Contents
What is the Washington Heritage Register?
The Washington Heritage Register is an official list that helps celebrate and recognize places that are special to Washington's past. These places could be old buildings, interesting sites, or even objects that tell us about how people lived long ago.
Who Manages the Register?
This important list is managed by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. This department works to protect and share Washington's history. They follow state laws to make sure the register is fair and accurate.
What Kinds of Places Are Listed?
The register includes many different types of places. It can have:
- Districts: Areas with many historic buildings.
- Sites: Places where important events happened.
- Buildings: Old houses, schools, or stores.
- Structures: Things like bridges or lighthouses.
- Objects: Items that are important to history.
For a place to be added, it must be significant to the history or culture of Washington state. This means it played a big role in the past or shows us something unique about the state.
What Does Listing Mean?
Being on the Washington Heritage Register is a huge honor! It means the place is recognized as special and worth remembering. However, it's important to know that being listed does not give money to the owners of these places. Instead, it helps people learn about these historic spots and understand why they are important. It raises public awareness and encourages people to appreciate Washington's heritage.
How Do Places Get on the Register?
There are a couple of ways a place can be added to the register:
- Meeting Criteria: Places can be nominated if they meet certain rules that show their historical or cultural importance.
- Automatic Addition: If a place is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is automatically added to the Washington Heritage Register. The National Register is a similar list for the entire United States.
