National Historic Landmark
This provides permanent identification of nationally significant properties.
Related Programs
- Historic Preservation Fund Grants-In-Aid
- National Natural Landmarks Program
- National Register of Historic Places
- Technical Preservation Services
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.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Program Accomplishments
None.
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 property, 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.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
If the property 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 property 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. Properties 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 Procedures
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.
Authorization
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.
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
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
None.
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.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1042-0-1-303.
Obigations
(Salaries and expenses) FY 07 $787,000; FY 08 est $790,000; and FY 09 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
None.
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. The documents are also available at the NHL website http://www2cr.nps.gov/nhl.
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., N.W., Mail Stop 2280, Washington, DC 20240. Telephone: (202) 354-2210. Program inquiries should be directed to Paul Loether E-mail: Paul_Loether@nps.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
See program 15.914, National Register of Historic Places.
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