Historic Sites Act of 1935, Public Law 74-292, 16 U.S.C.
461 et seq.; National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, Public
Law 89-665, 16 U.S.C. 470(t); National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of
1980, Public Law 96-515; 16 U.S.C. 470.
To study, identify, and encourage preservation of
nationally-significant historic properties; a bronze plaque is awarded in a
presentation ceremony when requested. This provides permanent identification
of nationally significant properties.
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:
Advisory Services and Counseling. Place Cursor Here for Definition
USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:
Properties recognized as National Historic Landmarks
will, upon application by the owner or administrator, be awarded a bronze
plaque attesting to the property's national significance. At the same time,
the applicant is requested to observe certain simple preservation precepts
with regard to the property. Should subsequent occurrences alter the historic
qualities of the site, landmark status may be revoked and the plaque removed.
Automatic listing of National Historic Landmark properties in the National
Register of Historic Places affords a degree of Federal protection under
Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and fulfills one of the
prerequisites for Federal assistance under the National Register grants-
in-aid program (see 15.904). Certain landmarks are also made eligible for
Federal tax benefits and protections and technical preservation assessment and
assistance.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant Eligibility: Anyone
may suggest that a property be considered for inclusion in an appropriate
National Historic Landmark theme study, provided the property has a high
degree of historic integrity and potential national significance with relation
to some broad facet of American history. The owner of the property may be an
individual, government, or corporate body. Properties of only State or local
significance do not qualify.
Beneficiary Eligibility:
Anyone may suggest that a property be considered for inclusion in an
appropriate National Historic Landmark theme study, provided the property has
a high degree of historic integrity and potential national significance with
relation to some broad facet of American history. The owner of the property
may be an individual, government, or corporate body. Properties of only State
or local significance do not qualify.
Credentials/Documentation:
Request should be supported by full discussion of national significance of
property and documented integrity.
Pre-application Coordination:
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure: If
the site is not listed in the National Register of Historic Places, write the
National Historic Landmarks Survey giving a brief resume of the history of the
site and its present condition and advising what assistance can be provided in
the nomination process. If the property is already listed in the National
Register, provide a brief resume of the historical facts that justify
consideration of national significance. Sites nominated to, or already listed
in, the National Register of Historic Places at a national level of
significance by the State Historic Preservation Officer may be reviewed by the
National Historic Landmarks Survey staff.
Award Procedure: When the
property has been investigated, findings, in the form of a thorough NHL
nomination form, are presented to the National Park System Advisory Board
which evaluates the property's national significance and high integrity and
recommends a final action to the Secretary of the Interior. Owners of proposed
landmarks are contacted prior to a landmark study, given an opportunity to
comment on a final study, and then notified after designation of the landmark.
Deadlines: Varies with
dates of twice yearly Advisory Board meetings. National Historic Landmarks
Survey staff sets deadlines for nominations before Advisory Board meetings.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:
Determined by scheduling of theme studies, availability of staff or funds, and
proximity to twice yearly Advisory Board meetings.
Appeals: Owner comments are
sought prior to the meeting of the Advisory Board. Board meetings are open to
the public. Appeals process is outlined in program regulations.
Renewals: Not applicable.
ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
Formula and Matching Requirements:
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:
Not applicable.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports: National Park Service
personnel make periodic inquiries and inspections to determine continuing
eligibility of National Historic Landmark properties and to identify those
which exhibit known or anticipated damage or threats to the integrity of their
resources for inclusion in a biennial Report to Congress.
Audits: Not applicable.
Records: Not applicable.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Account Identification:
14-1042-0-1-303.
Obligations: (Salaries and
expenses) FY 01 $564,000; FY 02 est $595,000; and FY 03 est $595,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance:
Not applicable.
As of December 31, 2001, a total of 2,339 properties
were designated as National Historic Landmarks.
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:
List of National Historic Landmarks available upon
request. Regulations were published in the "Federal Register" on
February 2, 1983. Copies of regulations also available upon request. Upon
request, a bulletin on "How to Prepare National Historic Landmark
Nominations" is available.
INFORMATION CONTACTS:
Regional or Local Office: See
Catalog Appendix IV for addresses.
Headquarters Office:
National Historic Landmarks Survey, NRHE, National Park Service, Department of
the Interior, 1849 C St., NW., Suite NC-400, Washington, DC 20240. Telephone:
(202) 343-8175.
Web Site Address: http://www.cr.nps.gov/nhl
EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:
National Historic Landmarks are automatically entered in
the National Register of Historic Places. See Uses and Use Restrictions for
funding project capability.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:
See program 15.914, National Register of Historic Places.
