NHL Bulletin

The 2023 NHL Bulletin replaces the 1999 version (National Register Bulletin: How to Prepare National Historic Landmark Nominations) as the core guidance for understanding NHLs and the process by which they are identified, nominated, and designated.

NHL Bulletin: Guidelines for Preparing National Historic Landmark Nominations (2023)

PDF (full document)

Cover of the NHL Bulletin with the title, the NP arrowhead and a collage of nine images of National Historic Landmarks.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface

Chapter 1 – Introduction

Basic Definitions.....9
Qualitative Framework.....11
The Benefits of NHL Designation.....12
The Limits of NHL Designation.....15

Chapter 2 – History

History of the NHL Program.....16
Tracking Change through Theme Studies.....18
The NHL Program and the National Register of Historic Places.....20

Chapter 3 – Process

Letter of Inquiry and Preliminary Evaluation.....22
Preparing the Nomination.....25
Submission, Review, and Revision of the Nomination.....26
NHL Committee Meeting and Review.....27
National Park System Advisory Board Meeting and Review.....28
Secretary of the Interior Review and Designation.....29

Chapter 4 – National Significance

National Significance and Place.....32
Theme Studies, Special Studies, and Updated Documentation.....33
Exploring the National Significance of a Place.....37
Period of National Significance.....39

Chapter 5 – Criteria

NHL Criteria.....41
NHL Criteria Exceptions.....48

Chapter 6 – Integrity

The Seven Aspects of Integrity.....57
Understanding Integrity.....64
Influences on Assessment.....68
Integrity and the NHL Criteria.....70

Chapter 7 – Withdrawal of Designation

Chapter 8 – Comparative Analysis

Identification of Comparable Properties.....79

Chapter 9 – Nomination

The NHL Nomination Form.....84
Section 1: Name and Location of Property.....86
Section 2: Significance Data.....88
Section 3: Withholding Sensitive Information.....89
Section 4: Geographical Data.....90
Section 5: Significance Statement and Discussion.....98
Section 6: Property Description and Statement of Integrity.....101
Section 7: Bibliographical References and Other Documentation.....116
Photographs, Maps, Plans, and Historic Images.....117

Notes

Selected Bibliography

Last updated: January 26, 2024