This page contains representative samples of HABS/HAER/HALS documentation archived in the Library of Congress. The samples are organized by program and documentation level.
In conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Architectural and Engineering Documentation, HABS/HAER/HALS surveys should be prepared to meet one of three documentation levels. The level of documentation should be appropriate to the nature and significance of the subject. While Federal mitigation documentation is traditionally stipulated to meet one of these documentation levels, the HABS/HAER/HALS collection will accept competition entries, student projects, and other donated materials that do not contain all the elements of a defined level.
These samples may be used as a reference to assist agencies, organizations, and individuals in completing documentation in accordance with the HABS/HAER/HALS Documentation Guidelines.
Historic American Buildings Survey
Level I Documentation
Components: Outline-format report, large-format photographs, sheet set (with measured or interpretive drawings)
- Ellis Island, Contagious Disease Hospital Isolation Ward I (HABS NY-6086-Y)
- Cape Lookout Light Station, Lighthouse (HABS NC-203-A)
Level II Documentation
Components: Outline-format report, large-format photographs, reproductions of existing plans (if available)
- Mary Atherton Richards House (HABS HI-611-C)
Level III Documentation
Components: Short-format report, large-format photographs
- Hancock's Resolution (HABS MD-1258)
- Hilo Jail (HABS HI-598)
Historic American Engineering Record
Level I Documentation
Components: Outline-format report, large-format photographs, sheet set (with measured or interpretive drawings)
- Floating Dry Dock USS Oak Ridge (ARDM-1) (HAER MD-191)
- El Paso Brick Company Bridge (HAER TX-3403)
Level II Documentation
Components: Outline-format report, large-format photographs, reproductions of existing plans (if available)
- Bartletts Ferry Hydroelectric Project, Gantry Cranes (HAER GA-166-A)
- New River Tunnel (HAER FL-50)
Level III Documentation
Components: Short-format report, large-format photographs
- Slatersville Stone Arch Bridge (HAER RI-60)
- Ohio River Lock and Dam 52, Power House (HAER IL-1207-A)
Historic American Landscapes Survey
Level I Documentation
Components: Outline-format report, large-format photographs, sheet set (with measured or interpretive drawings)
- St. Elizabeths Hospital West Campus (HALS DC-11)
- Rodoni Property (HALS CA-143)
Level II Documentation
Components: Outline-format report, large-format photographs, reproductions of existing plans (if available)
- Spring Valley Ranch, Citrus Grove Terraces (HALS CA-103)
- South Nimitz Highway Corridor (HALS HI-23)
Level III Documentation
Components: Short-format report, large-format photographs
- Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village (HALS CA-42)
- Mother Waldron Playground (HALS HI-27)
Survey Series/Complexes
- Camp Greentop (HABS MD-611 series)
- Free Library of Philadelphia (various HABS numbers)
- U.S. Coast Guard Medium Endurance Cutter, 210' Reliance Class (various HAER numbers)
- Northwestern Elevated Railroad (HAER IL-1197 series)
- Cabin Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project (HAER CO-103 series)
- Harold S. Gladwin Residence (HALS CA-129 series)
Last updated: September 29, 2023