National Historic Landmarks Survey
How Are National Historic Landmarks Designated?

The Bellevue Avenue Historic District in Newport, Rhode Island. NPS Photo.

National Historic
Landmarks may be designated through broad organized initiatives called theme studies, which examine related places linked by a single subject or theme, or they may be identified individually. The National Park Service

often conducts National Historic Landmark studies in partnership with federal, state, tribal, or local preservation officials; the academic community; independent scholars; and others knowledgeable about a particular subject. The National Park Service's National Historic Landmarks Survey staff prepares nominations, advises others on their preparation, and evaluates potential National Historic Landmark nominees for their ability to meet specific criteria. The National Park System Advisory Board considers completed nominations at meetings that are open to the public. Based upon the recommendations of the Board, the Secretary of the Interior designates National Historic Landmarks.

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