Selecting National Historic Landmarks

Potential Landmarks are identified primarily through theme studies undertaken by the National Park Service. These studies provide a comparative analysis of properties associated with a specific area of American history, such as Labor or Women's History. The historic importance of these potential Landmarks is evaluated by the National Park Service and the National Park System Advisory Board twice yearly at meetings that are open to the public. The Advisory board recommends potential NHLs to the Secretary of the Interior, who makes the final decisions.

Nominations prepared by other Federal agencies, State Historic Preservation Officers, and individuals are accepted for review and represent an increasing number of nominations reviewed each year.

How does Landmark designation affect the ability to make changes to a property?
Listing of private property as a NHL or on the National Register does not prohibit under Federal law or regulations any actions which may otherwise be taken by the property owner with respect to the property. The National Park Service may recommend to owners various preservation actions, but owners are not obligated to carry out these recommendations. They are free to make whatever changes they wish if Federal funding, licensing or permits are not involved. Owners should keep in mind that State laws or local ordinances may affect NHLs if these legal mechanisms recognize and protect Landmarks, independent of Federal law.

What assistance is available?
Assistance to National Historic Landmarks includes forums for communication with NHL owners, managers and friends, technical publications and information about Federal assistance for which NHLs may qualify.

page 1 | page 2