Introduction

The purpose of this publication is to provide State Historic Preservation Review Board members with one document that not only defines and provides guidance on the execution of federally mandated duties, but also provides an orientation to Federal historic preservation programs so that Review Boards can perform their functions within an appropriate context. Information includes the structure and function of a Review Board; the concept of comprehensive planning for preservation; the vital elements of resource identification, evaluation, registration, and protection; and specific techniques available for historic resource protection.

The National Historic Preservation Act, as amended defines the State Historic Preservation Review Board and its authority. The four primary required activities of the Review Board are to: (1) review National Register nominations and nomination appeals, (2) review appropriate documentation submitted in conjunction with the Historic Preservation Fund, (3) provide general advice and professional recommendations to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and (4) perform such duties as may be appropriate. The first two activities are described in the chapters "Evaluating Properties for the National Register" and "Protection of Historic Resources - the Historic Preservation Fund." Because the third function, providing advice and professional recommendations to the SHPO, is a broad and general one, its discussion is not limited to a single chapter.

In practice, the operation of Review Boards varies greatly across the nation, as does the operation of the State historic preservation office itself. This program flexibility is considered to be a strong positive factor. It allows the States to adjust their individual programs to meet their own unique needs.

The National Historic Preservation Act, as amended sets the Federal statutory framework for State historic preservation offices and Review Boards. The National Park Service establishes broad national policy pursuant to Federal preservation law and provides technical advice to the States. The State Historic Preservation Officers implement their preservation programs within National Park Service policy while each determines his or her State's specific priorities for preserving historic resources. Since the States have assumed a substantial portion of the administrative activities mandated in the National Historic Preservation Act and the Federal tax laws, the importance of an efficient and effective Review Board is essential to the preservation of the State's historic resources. The contribution of each member of the board is thus vital. The intent of this manual is to provide each Review Board member with sufficient information and guidance so that he or she will be able to make a maximum contribution.

This publication was originally prepared in 1992 by Patrick W. Andrus, National Register of Historic Places, Interagency Resources Division, with assistance from John W. Renaud, Susan L. Henry, and Stephen A. Morris, Preservation Planning Branch, Interagency Resources Division; Michael J. Auer, Preservation Assistance Division; and Caroline R. Bedinger, Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record. It was updated for the Web by the original authors in 1998.