CRITERIA
USED IN THE SELECTION OF
REGISTERED NATIONAL
HISTORIC LANDMARKS
1. Structures or sites at which events occurred
that have made an outstanding contribution to,
and are identified prominently with, or which
best represent, the broad cultural, political, eco-
nomic, military, or social history of the Nation,
and from which visitors may grasp the larger
patterns of our American heritage.
2. Structures or sites associated importantly with
the lives of outstanding historic personages.





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3. Structures or sites associated significantly with
an important event that best represents some great
idea or ideal of the American people.
4. Structures that embody the distinguishing char-
acteristics of an architectural type specimen, ex-
ceptionally valuable for a study of a period style
or method of construction; or a notable structure
representing the work of a master builder, de-
signer, or architect.
5. Archeological sites that have produced infor-
mation of major scientific importance by reveal-
ing new cultures, or by shedding light upon peri-
ods of occupation over large areas of the United
States. Such sites are those which have produced,
or which may reasonably be expected to produce,


data affecting theories, concepts, and ideas to a
major degree.
6. Every historic and archeological site and struc-
ture should have integrity-that is, there should
not be doubt as to whether it is the original site
or structure, and in the case of a structure, that
it represents original materials and workmanship.
Intangible elements of feeling and association, al-
though difficult to describe, may be factors in
weighing the integrity of a site or structure.
7. Structures or sites which are primarily of
significance in the field of religion or to religious
bodies but are not of national importance in other
fields of the history of the United States, such



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as, political, military, or architectural history, will
not be e ligible for consideration.
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as, political, military, or architectural history, will
not be eligible for consideration.
8. Birthplaces, graves, burials, and cemeteries, as
a general rule, are not eligible for consideration
and recognition except in cases of historical fig-
ures of transcendent importance. Historic sites
associated with the actual careers and contribu-
tions of outstanding historical personages are
more important than their birthplaces and burial
places.
9. Structures or sites associated with persons of
historical importance whose major contributions
occurred during the last 50 years, and historical
events of the same period, as a rule will not be
eligible for consideration.


SELECTING SITES FOR THE
NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
Because of the number of important historic
sites associated with every period of American
history, it is impossible for the Federal Govern-
ment to acquire and administer all sites of excep-
tional value, or support them financially. Only
a limited number of outstanding sites represent-
ing the different phases of history and prehistory
are administered by the National Park Service.
In selecting sites for the National Park System,
subject to appropriate congressional action in each
case, the Secretary of the Interior is guided by
the following considerations:
1. The site, when compared with other sites of
exceptional value in the same theme or period
of history, must stand out in national significance.
2. The site must be needed in the National Park
System to fill gaps in' a theme or period of history
so that a well-rounded representation of America's
historical and cultural heritage may be achieved.
3. The site must be suitable for, and adaptable
to, effective preservation, administration, interpre-
tation, development, and use.
4. The site must have integrity. It is difficult to
interpret the significance of a site or tell its story
effectively if large parts of it or its surroundings
have been radically altered during the passage of
time. In the selection of sites, preference is given
to those possessing substantial physical remains.
5. The site must be feasible in terms of avail-
ability, cost of acquisition, restoration, develop-
ment, maintenance, operation, and interpretation,
and from the standpoint of the fiscal program of
the Government.





Further details on the Registry of National His-
toric Landmarks can be obtained by writing to
The Director, National Park Service, U. S. De-
partment of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
20240.

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402 Price 5 cents


iL A N D M A R i IK S


GPO : 1964 0-732-802





0


A Registered National Historic Landmark is a
site or building designated as possessing excep-
tional value in commemorating or illustrating the
history of the United States. All of the landmarks
together compose the Registry of National Historic
Landmarks. This program is administered by the
National Park Service, U. S. Department of the
Interior.

THE STORY OF THE REGISTRY
In the Historic Sites Act of 1935, Congress
declared that "it is a national policy to preserve
for public use historic sites, buildings, and objects
of national significance for the inspiration and
benefit of the people of the Unted States." The
act directed the Secretary of the Interior to make
a nationwide survey of historic sites for the pur-
pose of determining which possess exceptional
value. This directive led to the National Survey
of Historic Sites and Buildings (described in a
companion folder). Hundreds of exceptionally
valuable sites were found during the National
Survey. Many were already being preserved by
State, local, and private agencies. But many
others were endangered by decay or destruction.
As the National Survey progressed it became
apparent that there was urgent need to encourage
greater historical conservation efforts in this
country. Obviously the Federal Government
could not acquire all significant historic sites.
This would be financially impossible. The prin-
ciple was affirmed that only through the coopera-
tion of Federal, State, and local groups, and
individuals, could the American people hope to
encompass the vast scope of historical conserva-
tion in the United States.
The question was: How to make that cooper-
ation more effective? Out of this question was
.,' born, in October 1960, the Registry of National
,Historic Landmarks. This program has a two-fold
4-.purpose: (1) to recognize and encourage the


continuation of preservation efforts being con-
ducted by State, local, and private agencies; and
(2) to call attention to those sites of exceptional
value that need to be preserved.

HOW LANDMARKS ARE
ESTABLISHED
To be eligible for the Registry of National
Historic Landmarks a historic site must meet the
criteria of exceptional value presented elsewhere
in this folder. In essence, these criteria require (1)
historic significance, meaning exceptional value in
American history; and (2) integrity, meaning a
present condition that recalls the historic period.
The selection of sites of exceptional value
begins with the National Park Service historians
and archeologists who conduct the fieldwork of
the National Survey. Their site recommendations
are screened first by the Consulting Committee
for the National Survey of Historic Sites and
Buildings, then by the Advisory Board on Na-
tional Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings, and Monu-
ments. These two appointive bodies are composed
of eminent authorities in various fields of know-
ledge. The Advisory Board submits its recom-
mendations to the Secretary of the Interior who
has the final responsibility in declaring sites eli-
gible for the Registry.
Upon the Secretary's approval that a site is
eligible for the Registry, the Director of the Na-
tional Park Service invites the owner to participate
in the program. The owner must agree (1) to
preserve, so far as practicable and to the best
of his ability, the historical integrity of the site
or structure; (2) to use the property for purposes
consistent with its historical character; and (3) to
allow periodic visits to the property by a represen-
tative of the National Park Service. The program
is entirely voluntary and the owner is at liberty
to decline to participate. Should he wish to have
his property designated as a landmark, however,


he must agree to the above conditions.
Landmark designation is recognized by means
of a certificate signed by the Secretary of the
Interior and the Director of the National Park
Service, and by a bronze plaque if the owner of
the site desires one. These are provided without
charge. Also, the names of all Registered National
Historic Landmarks will be inscribed in the
Registry Book.

A CONTINUING PROGRAM
Administration and preservation of a landmark
continues to be solely the owner's responsibility.
But he must maintain the integrity of the site to
keep landmark status. Representatives of the
National Park Service periodically visit the land-
mark to consult with and advise the owner on
matters of preservation and, if appropriate, inter-
pretation of the landmark to the public. The
Service is not authorized to expend funds for the
preservation or administration of a landmark,
but it is authorized to give landmark owners
advisory assistance, based upon many years of
experience in the field of historical conservation.
Thus the continuing phase of the Landmark Pro-
gram is conceived as a mutually helpful relation-
ship. It is expected that this phase of the pro-
gram will grow in importance.



To sum up, the Registry of National Historic
Landmarks identifies nationally important seg-
ments of America's heritage and brings them to
the attention of the American people. It also
provides encouragement and recognition to State
organizations, patriotic groups, historical societies,
and individuals who play an essential role in pre-
serving the Nation's historic and archeologic prop-
erties. It appeals to the community and the Na-
tion to respect the integrity of the site.