State Historic Preservation Office

The National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places was established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended in 1980. It is the Nation's official listing of prehistoric and historic properties worthy of preservation. It affords recognition and protection for districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. This significance can be at the local, state, or national level. The National Register serves both as a planning tool and as a means of identifying buildings, sites, and districts that are of special significance to a community and worthy of preservation.

You can now download the following documents for more information on the National Register of Historic Places:

• National Register of Historic Places brochure

Describes the criteria and procedures for evaluating properties and having them listed, as well as information on the economic benefits of listing properties on the National Register.

• What the National Register Does and Does Not Do

Answers questions about the National Register's benefits and restrictions.

• National Register Nomination Synopsis

Details the process for getting a property listed to the National Register.

The Arizona Historic Sites Review Committee (HSRC), comprised of citizens knowledgeable in Arizona history, archaeology, and architecture, assists the SHPO in nominating properties to the National Register. The Committee holds public meetings three times a year (usually in February, June, and October).

The first step in getting a property listed in the National Register is for the owner or interested person to fill out an Arizona Historic Property Inventory Form. (***Please see note below.) This form provides a detailed description of the property and includes a statement of significance which justifies why the property is important and worthy of preservation. Submit the completed form to the SHPO where it will be evaluated for its eligibility to the National Register. If the SHPO believes the property is eligible, further information on the National Register process will be provided. You can save time by completing this process first before filling out the National Register form.

Further information about how to get a property listed in the National Register call SHPO at (602)542-4009 or download the National Register registration forms and information on completing them from the National Register Publications (www.cr.nps.gov/nr/publications/index.htm).

(***You will need the free Adobe Acrobat to view the pdf file. To get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, visit http://www.adobe.com.)