National Register of Historic Places: The Early Years of US Preservation
The foundation of historic preservation in the United States was fundamentally reshaped in the mid-1960s. Before this era, preservation efforts were often fragmented. However, a series of strategic administrative shifts and landmark legislation created a centralized system to identify and protect the nation's cultural heritage.
In April 1966, as part of a broader initiative known as Mission 66, the National Park Service (NPS) centralized its history research programs. These programs were placed under the leadership of Robert M. Utley, the NPS chief historian, in Washington, D.C. This reorganization set the stage for a more formal national approach to preserving history.
The Historic Preservation Act of 1966
On October 15, 1966, the United States government passed the Historic Preservation Act. This legislation was a milestone, representing the first time the country established a broad-based historic preservation policy. The act created two critical entities: the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO).
Initially, the National Register was populated by National Historic Landmarks designated prior to the act's creation, along with other historic sites already within the National Park system. While listing a property on the Register did not provide absolute protection, it mandated that federal agencies assess how their activities might impact buildings and properties listed or eligible for listing.
To manage these impacts, federal agencies were required to collaborate with the SHPO and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), an independent federal agency designed to address adverse effects caused by federal activities.
Administrative Leadership and the OAHP
The National Park Service was the natural choice to lead this new program due to its existing experience managing the Historic American Buildings Survey (established 1933) and the Historic Sites Survey (authorized 1935).
Under the direction of George B. Hartzog Jr., the NPS established the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP). This administrative division was tasked with implementing the National Register program and overseeing several cultural resource initiatives, including the Historic Preservation Fund and the history division led by Robert M. Utley.
![George B. Hartzog Jr., director of the National Park Service from January 8, 1964, until December 31, 1972.[1]](/images/68/03/680344f74381a0ac277837b5083f6ccfead7266ae57d6cde36c56536bb2473cc.jpg)
Ernest Connally, the first director of the OAHP, emphasized that preservation should be guided by professional expertise in history, architecture, and archaeology. To execute these goals, the OAHP created specialized divisions, appointing architectural historian William J. Murtagh as the first official Keeper of the Register.
Challenges of the Early Era
Despite the legislative framework, the late 1960s and early 1970s were marked by organizational struggles. Many SHPOs were underfunded and understaffed, leaving little room for long-term strategic planning. Most resources were consumed by the immediate demands of saving properties and building the offices from the ground up.
Financial support was available through the Historic Preservation Fund, which provided matching grants-in-aid. These grants were initially focused on institutional buildings and house museums before expanding to include commercial structures. Because of the urgency of "brick-and-mortar" projects, formal planning was often treated as a secondary formality during this period.
Key Facts
- Established: The National Register of Historic Places was created by the Historic Preservation Act on October 15, 1966.
- Governing Body: The National Park Service (NPS) manages the program via the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP).
- Key Figures: George B. Hartzog Jr. (NPS Director), Ernest Connally (First OAHP Director), and William J. Murtagh (First Keeper of the Register).
- Federal Oversight: The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) helps mitigate adverse federal impacts on historic sites.
- Funding: The Historic Preservation Fund provided matching grants for property owners.
| Entity/Act | Role/Purpose | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Preservation Act (1966) | Legislative Foundation | Established NRHP and SHPOs |
| OAHP | Administrative Division | Managed NRHP and cultural resources |
| SHPO | State-level Office | Local implementation and property listing |
| ACHP | Independent Federal Agency | Reviewing federal impacts on historic sites |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary purpose of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966?
The act established the first broad-based historic preservation policy in the United States, creating the National Register of Historic Places and State Historic Preservation Offices to identify and protect cultural resources.
Does being listed on the National Register provide absolute protection for a property?
No, the National Register does not provide specific protection to listed properties; however, it requires federal agencies to assess and mitigate the impact of their activities on listed or eligible properties.
Who was the first Keeper of the Register?
The first official Keeper of the Register was William J. Murtagh, who served as an architectural historian.
What was the role of the Historic Preservation Fund in the early years?
The fund provided matching grants-in-aid to owners of listed properties, starting with house museums and institutional buildings and later extending to commercial structures.
Why was the National Park Service chosen to lead the program?
The NPS was the logical choice because it already managed numerous historic properties and had experience with the Historic American Buildings Survey and the Historic Sites Survey.