User:Ebyabe/PortalNRHP/Intro

The National Register of Historic Places is the United States' official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects worthy of preservation which was authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. There are over 1,000,000 buildings, sites and structures listed on the Register, including historic districts and individually listed buildings. The Register automatically includes all National Historic Landmarks as well as all historic areas administered by the National Park Service.

The National Register of Historic Places is primarily a tool to recognize the historical significance of a building, structure, object, district, or site. Listing in the National Register does not restrict private property owners from the use of their property. Some states, however, might have state or local laws that become effective when a place is listed on the National Register. In contrast, a local historic district often has enabling ordinances at the municipal level that restrict certain kinds of changes to properties and thereby encourages those changes that are sensitive to the historic character of an area.

Any individual can prepare a National Register nomination although historians and historic preservation consultants are often employed for this work. The nomination contains basic information on the type of significance embodied in the building, structure, object, district, or site. The State Historic Preservation Office receives National Register nominations and supplies feedback to the individual preparing the nomination. A description of the various aspects of social history and commerce, architectural styles and ownership of the property is also part of the nomination.