National Association of State Historic Preservation Officers

National Association of State Historic Preservation Officers is a non-profit organization that represents the State Historic Preservation Offices of the United States. The organization works closely with the National Park Service, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and other federal agencies to promote the preservation of historic sites and cultural heritage across the country, including National Historic Landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Monticello. The association's members, including the California State Historic Preservation Office and the New York State Historic Preservation Office, play a crucial role in implementing the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The organization also collaborates with other preservation groups, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Action Council.

● History

The National Association of State Historic Preservation Officers was established in 1966, following the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act, which created the State Historic Preservation Offices and mandated their role in preserving historic sites and cultural resources. The organization's early years were marked by close collaboration with the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, and other federal agencies, including the General Services Administration and the United States Department of Transportation. The association's members, including the Alabama Historical Commission and the Georgia Historic Preservation Division, worked together to develop historic preservation programs and policies, such as the Section 106 review process, which is administered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The organization also drew inspiration from the work of preservationists like Ann Pamela Cunningham, who founded the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association to preserve Mount Vernon, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who helped to save Grand Central Terminal from demolition.

● Organization

The National Association of State Historic Preservation Officers is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and is governed by a board of directors composed of State Historic Preservation Officers from across the country, including the Florida Department of State and the Texas Historical Commission. The organization has a small staff, including an executive director and program managers, who work closely with the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and the Council of State Historic Preservation Officers. The association also has a number of committees and task forces, including the Federal Agency Task Force and the Cultural Resource Management Committee, which focus on issues like historic tax credits, cultural resource management, and disaster response and recovery, often in collaboration with organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The National Association of State Historic Preservation Officers is dedicated to promoting the preservation of historic sites and cultural heritage across the United States, including National Historic Landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fenway Park. The organization's mission is to support the work of State Historic Preservation Offices and to advocate for historic preservation policies and programs at the federal and state levels, often in partnership with organizations like the National Park Foundation and the Preservation Society of Newport County. The association's objectives include promoting the use of historic tax credits, supporting the development of cultural resource management plans, and providing training and technical assistance to State Historic Preservation Offices, including the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office. The organization also works to raise awareness about the importance of historic preservation, including the preservation of historic districts like the French Quarter and Savannah Historic District.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

The National Association of State Historic Preservation Officers offers a range of programs and initiatives to support the work of State Historic Preservation Offices, including the Historic Preservation Fund and the Preservation Technology and Training Grants program. The organization also provides training and technical assistance to State Historic Preservation Offices, including workshops and conferences on topics like historic tax credits, cultural resource management, and disaster response and recovery, often in collaboration with organizations like the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training and the Heritage Preservation. The association also partners with other organizations, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Action Council, to promote historic preservation policies and programs, including the Preserve America initiative and the Save America's Treasures program.

● Membership_and_Partnerships

The National Association of State Historic Preservation Officers has a membership of State Historic Preservation Offices from all 50 states, as well as several territories and districts, including the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Office and the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office. The organization also has partnerships with a range of other organizations, including the National Park Service, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and National Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as state and local government agencies, such as the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. The association works closely with these partners to promote historic preservation policies and programs, including the National Historic Preservation Act and the Historic Preservation Fund, and to support the work of State Historic Preservation Offices, including the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office and the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation.

● Advocacy_and_Policy

The National Association of State Historic Preservation Officers is a strong advocate for historic preservation policies and programs at the federal and state levels, often working in collaboration with organizations like the National Conference of State Legislatures and the American Planning Association. The organization works to promote the use of historic tax credits, support the development of cultural resource management plans, and provide funding for historic preservation projects, including the Save America's Treasures program and the Preserve America initiative. The association also monitors and responds to federal and state legislation and regulations that affect historic preservation, including the National Historic Preservation Act and the Antiquities Act of 1906, and works to educate policymakers and the public about the importance of historic preservation, including the preservation of historic landmarks like the White House and the United States Capitol.