US FederalWhat is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance.
What the Law Says
The National Register of Historic Places is established and governed by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as codified in federal law. It serves as the nation’s official inventory of historic resources worthy of preservation.
The National Register is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) under the U.S. Department of the Interior. It was created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 — a landmark law designed to protect America’s historic and cultural heritage.
Listing on the National Register is primarily an honorific designation that recognizes significance. It does not, by itself, restrict what private property owners can do with their property — unless federal involvement (e.g., funding, permits, or licensing) is present.
The law requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their undertakings on properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register, triggering Section 106 review — a key procedural safeguard.
Statutory TextThe term 'national register' means the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the Secretary [of the Interior] pursuant to section 302101 of this title.
— 54 U.S.C. § 300101 — Definitions
What to Do
Determine if your property meets National Register criteria (age, integrity, significance).
Prepare and submit a nomination form (NPS Form 10-900) through your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO).
Participate in the review process: SHPO/THPO reviews, National Park Service evaluates, Keeper of the Register makes final listing decision.
If listed, explore eligibility for federal tax incentives or grant programs — but know that no automatic restrictions apply to private owners.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.