Many of us have been to a historic site or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or maybe we just heard that phrase before, but do you actually know what the National Register is? The National Register of Historic Places is the official Federal list of districts, sites, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, architecture, and culture. The National Park Service oversees the National Register, but almost anybody can nominate a structure or site to the Register. Nominations for historic properties controlled by the U.S. Government usually come from State Historic Preservation Officers or another government agency or official. Tribal lands are usually nominated by the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. However, private individuals, civic groups, historical societies, local governments, or Native American tribes often start the process and get the proper documentation in order. Each state has a review board that meets to look over the nominations and determine if they are eligible for listing on the Register. All eligible nominations are then sent to the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places in Washington, D.C

This process can sound very intimidating, long, and involved, so people often ask about the benefits of being listed on the Register. First and foremost, listing recognizes a property for its significant contributions to America’s heritage and history, but there is more! It also provides for consideration in planning for Federally funded projects (such as road widening, new road construction, etc.). Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Federal agencies have to allow the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on all projects affecting historic properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register. Additionally, some states provide certain tax provisions for properties listed on the National Register. It also opens up additional funding opportunities through Federal grants when they are available.

Many people worry that if their property (private residence, business, etc.) is listed on the National Register that they will be restricted in what they can do to the property. However, as long as no Federal money is involved, the owners are free to maintain, manage, or dispose of the property however they choose to do so. The National Park Service recommends that owners contact their State Historic Preservation Officer before doing so, however, as the Park Service can offer advice and ideas to preserve the historical integrity of the structure. Also, state or local preservation laws or ordinances may be in effect that owners should aware of before making any changes.

Now, with all this being said, you are probably wondering what qualifications must be met for a property to be eligible for listing on the National Register! Well, generally a property must be 50 years old or older, although in some cases this does not necessarily apply. The National Park Service has established guidelines for properties that have become significant within the last 50 years (http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/publications/bulletins/nrb22/). Most properties will have to be older than 50 years and meet the National Register Criteria for Evaluation (http://www.nps.gov/nr/publications/bulletins/nrb15/nrb15_2.htm). This process involves looking at the property’s age, integrity, and significance. The property should have minimal modifications and look much the same as it did historically. The property also needs to be associated with activities, events, or developments that were important to history. It could be associated with important historical figures or be a great example of an architectural style or engineering achievement. Some properties, including many of the archaeological sites listed, are nominated because they have the potential to yield additional information that may be significant to our understanding of the past.

Again, this process may seem intimidating, but there are folks out there who can help you with your nomination. Nominations are a time-consuming process, but that should not deter you if you own a property that is significant to our history. Although FPAN staff cannot write the entire nomination for you, we are always available to help you and answer any questions you may have. You may have questions about whether your property meets the criteria or want to know who you need to contact at the state level – we can help with that!

The National Park Service also has a website dedicated to the National Register (http://www.nps.gov/nr/index.htm). On this site you can find example nominations, publications, guidelines, and other information that can help you with the nomination process. You can also look up properties that are already listed on the Register (http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natreghome.do?searchtype=natreghome) . Over 80,000 properties are listed on the National Register, and almost every county in the U.S. has at least one listed property. The National Register website also provides travel itineraries that feature historic sites, as well as teacher resources including great lesson plans on Teaching with Historic Places.

Barbara Hines

Public Archaeology Coordinator

FPAN North Central Region

People often ask us how they can become involved in local archaeology, and we always recommend getting involved with your local Florida Anthropological Society (FAS) (http://fasweb.org/) chapter. FAS provides those interested in archaeology and professional archaeologists a formal means to come together in a way that is mutually beneficial. FAS is open to anyone willing to abide by the FAS statement of ethics. The organization promotes the study of Florida’s past and brings attention to the general public and to appropriate governmental agencies the need for preservation of archaeological and historical sites within Florida. Members of FAS also receive the quarterly publication, The Florida Anthropologist, which provides readers with a great variety of articles detailing various aspects of Florida archaeology. It is always a great read!

FAS currently has sixteen Chapters in the state. Chapters generally meet about once a month to conduct society business, to socialize, and to hear a presentation about archaeology or history. Every year in early May, one chapter hosts the Florida Anthropological Society’s Annual Meeting, which includes paper and poster sessions on topics related to Florida archaeology, various workshops, behind-the-scenes tours of museums and archaeological sites, and fieldtrips.

Each March is Florida Archaeology Month (FAM) (www.flpublicarchaeology.org/FAM/index.php). Every year has a different theme which is reflected in a poster, bookmarks, and other educational material. Archaeology Month a great time to get out and learn about Florida’s history and archaeology! FAM has become an important program for school children in Florida and many educators take advantage of FAM information to teach about the history and prehistory of Florida. Some FAM events are specifically designed for school children or field trip groups. The Florida Park Service is a great supporter of FAM, displaying the posters in park entrance stations and other high-traffic areas. State Parks throughout Florida also host a wide variety of events during FAM. Various private museums and public libraries display the posters and make bookmarks available for students of all ages to promote stewardship. An interactive FAM website provides the public with even more information about Florida archaeology!

So there you have it, a rundown of some of the more common archaeology acronyms in Florida (in addition to FPAN of course)! Many professions are full of acronyms, and unless you are in that field it can be somewhat confusing. As a member of the public with an interest in Florida archaeology, these acronyms, or what they represent, may be of great importance to you. If you are interested in becoming more involved and taking advantage of the archaeological opportunities in your community, FAS might be the answer you have been looking for!

Barbara Hines
Outreach Coordinator
FPAN North Central Region