National Historic Landmarks

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Exceptional Places, Past and PresentExceptional Places, Past and Present

National National Historic LandmarksHistoric Landmarks


U.S. Department of the Interior—National Park Service

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What areNational Historic Landmarks?

What areNational Historic Landmarks?

NHL EXAMPLES BEGINNINGS CRITERIA THREATS STEWARDSHIP

3Philadelphia Toboggan Co. Carousel #6, CO

NHLs can beNHLs can be

Buildings Districts Sites Structures Objects


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BuildingsBuildings

Yuma Territorial Prison, AZ Vizcaya, FL


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DistrictsDistricts

Canterbury Shaker Village, NH

Districts are more than the sum of their parts.


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SitesSites


Sometimes sites have no buildings at all.

Rock cairn along the Lolo Trail, ID

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StructuresStructures

Boston Harbor Island Light Station, MA Eads Bridge, MO


8Empire State Building, NY Sloss Furnace, AL

Some National Historic Landmarks are well known, others are not.

Some National Historic Landmarks are well known, others are not.


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How many are there?How many are there?

Over 2,500 properties have qualified

20–25 new landmarks are named each year

Temple Square, UT


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Designation of National Historic Landmarks

began in 1960

Designation of National Historic Landmarks

began in 1960


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What are the criteria forNational Historic Landmark

designation?

What are the criteria forNational Historic Landmark

designation?


12Oregon Trail, South Pass, WY

Association with events...Association with events...

Locations where nationally significant historical events occurred


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Events may represent any time period.

Brandywine Battlefield, a Revolutionary War site, PA

14Jazz musician John Coltrane’s house, PA

Association with people...Association with people...

Places where prominent Americans lived or worked


15Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, VA Henry Thoreau’s Walden Pond, MA


16Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Selma, AL

Association with ideals...Association with ideals...

Places that represent ideals that shaped the nation


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Outstanding architecture or designOutstanding architecture or design

Outstanding examples of design or construction Unusual construction Superb craftsmanship Design innovation

Alden Dow home and architectural studio , MI


18Hotel Del Coronado, CA Charleston’s Market Hall, SC


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Characterizing a way of life...Characterizing a way of life...

Shakertown at Pleasant Hill, KY


20Abo Mission, NM

Ability to yield information...Ability to yield information...

Mostly archeological sites


21Wailua Complex of Heiaus, HI Kijik Archeological District, AK


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How does a property becomea National Historic Landmark?How does a property becomea National Historic Landmark?

For designation information, visit the NHL web site

Bear Butte, SD


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Who owns National Historic Landmarks?

Who owns National Historic Landmarks?

More than half are owned privately

Others are owned by institutions or government

Many are supported by “friends” groups

Laurel Hill Cemetery, PA


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How do owners benefit from designation?

How do owners benefit from designation?


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Owners receive...Owners receive...

Honorary recognition

Funding information Technical assistance

Wynnewood, TN


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Honorary recognitionHonorary recognition

A bronze plaque is available upon request

Columbus Landing Site, USVI


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Financial assistanceFinancial assistance

NHLs get funding priority in some cases Kennecott Mines

received a federal “Save America’s Treasures” grant

Kennecott Mines, AK


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Networking opportunitiesNetworking opportunities

National Park Service newsletter


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A Steward’s Association offers...A Steward’s Association offers...

Networking with NHL peers, outreach, advocacy, education

NHL Stewards visit West Point, NY, in 1998


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Information and public educationInformation and public education

Comprehensive web site

Technical assistance Report to Congress


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What threatens National Historic Landmarks

today?

What threatens National Historic Landmarks

today?


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Threats include...Threats include...

Deterioration Incompatible new construction Damaging uses Erosion Vandalism and looting Demolition


33New Almaden General Store, CA

Deterioration tops the list


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Web Site: www.cr.nps.gov/nhlWeb Site: www.cr.nps.gov/nhl

Funding sources Landmarks database Virtual visits Training information Online publications

Old State Capitol, IA


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National Park Service support offices and parks offer

National Park Service support offices and parks offer

Localized assistance Technical support Conferences and workshops Survey and nomination help


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The public also benefitsThe public also benefits

Some NHLs are open to the public

Tourism boosts local economies

The public better understands our American heritage

Mission Concepcion, TX


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For more information contact the National Park Service

For more information contact the National Park Service

This program has been made possible, in part, with special funding by the

National Park Servicethrough its Cultural Resources Training Initiative.

This program has been made possible, in part, with special funding by the

National Park Servicethrough its Cultural Resources Training Initiative.

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Exceptional Places, Past and PresentExceptional Places, Past and Present



U.S. Department of the Interior—National Park Service

Documents

National Historic Landmarks