Research documents called “historic contexts” provide a framework for identifying, evaluating, and designating potential National Historic Landmarks and properties on the National Register of Historic Places. Each document draws a picture of a particular time and place. It also defines property types, takes stock of sites (known and projected), poses research questions, provides evaluation criteria, and discusses key bibliographic material.

Unlike other landmark candidates, archeological properties must have the potential to resolve a debate, modify a major concept, or close a gap in understanding. next >>

The material discovered must be able to yield information on one or more important research questions, sucha as clarifying a site’s function, type, boundaries, and period of occupation.

Nominations should also address relationships with other locales and whether the research is under-represented among current landmarks or National Register listings. << back