Overview
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation because of their significance in American life. This list is part of a federal program that coordinates and supports public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archaeological assets.
The National Register is composed of more than 93,500 listings, including all historic areas in the National Park System; over 2,500 National Historic Landmarks; and properties across the country that are significant to the nation, to a state or to a community.
To search for a Connecticut property on the National Register, go to the National Register Research Page. Information on nominations can be obtained directly from the SHPO.
Eligibility
The National Register of Historic Places uses these criteria for listing a district, site, building or object:
- How significant is the resource in American history, architecture, archaeology and culture?
- What is the integrity of the location, design, setting, materials, workmanship and feeling?
- What is the resource's association with historical events, significant people, or a characteristic type, period, or method of construction that represents the work of a master, high artistic values or other marks of distinction?
- Could the resource yield information important in prehistory or history?
Benefits of Designation
Although registration alone does not prevent an owner from altering a property, designation does assist preservation efforts in other ways.
Just a few of the key benefits of this designation include:
- makes qualified owners of historic properties eligible for federal and state grants for preservation activities;
- encourages the rehabilitation of income-producing historic properties through tax incentives;
- provides eligibility for the CT Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit program for owner-occupied historic homes in targeted urban areas;
- provides protection from unreasonable destruction under Connecticut state law; and
- allows consideration of fire and life safety code compliance alternatives when rehabilitating historic buildings.
How to Apply
Any entity (such as property owners, community groups or municipal staff) may nominate a property for National Register listing.
Before beginning any nomination project, please complete the form for a preliminary determination of eligibility.
Application is a multi-step process. Review the procedures.
Since the nomination form requires intensive research and an understanding of the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, many applicants choose to hire a cultural resource professional to complete the form.
Municipalities and nonprofit groups may apply for grant assistance from the SHPO for National Register nominations.
Related Resources
Contact
Jenny Scofield at (860) 500-2343 or jenny.scofield@ct.gov.