Historic Properties FAQ

What are the benefits of having a property listed on the National Register?

• Local communities, states and the nation benefit from having tangible links to the past, including events, people, and artistic expressions that have molded the character of our nation.
• Listing is recognition of a property's importance in local, regional, or national history.
• Property owners are eligible for a number of grant and tax incentives as well as technical assistance in rehabilitation and maintenance of their historic property.
• Listing properties has financial benefits for communities by contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods and business districts and by promoting tourism.

If my home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will I be prohibited from making changes to my property?

No, you are not prohibited from making changes to your home. In order to ensure that the changes you make do not negatively effect the historic integrity of your property and cause your property to lose its eligibility for the Register, the National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation Office recommend that you follow the Secretary of Interior's Standards. Contact the State Historic Preservation Office for a copy of the Standards and technical assistance.