National Historic Landmarks Program

National Historic Landmarks Program is a program administered by the National Park Service to recognize and preserve historic sites of exceptional value to the United States. The program was established by the Historic Sites Act of 1935, which was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, with the goal of identifying and preserving sites that are significant to the American Revolution, the Civil War, and other important events in American history, such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the California Gold Rush. The program works in conjunction with other preservation efforts, including those of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, to protect historic sites, such as Independence Hall and Monticello, which are also recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World Heritage Sites.

Introduction

The National Historic Landmarks Program is a key component of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The program recognizes historic sites that are significant to the history of the United States, including sites related to the American Civil Rights Movement, such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the National Civil Rights Museum, as well as sites related to the Women's Suffrage Movement, such as the Wesleyan Chapel and the National Woman's Party Headquarters. The program also recognizes sites that are significant to the history of science and technology, such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Hubble Space Telescope.

History

The National Historic Landmarks Program has its roots in the Antiquities Act of 1906, which was signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt. This act gave the President of the United States the authority to designate historic sites as National Monuments, such as the Grand Canyon National Monument and the Petrified Forest National Monument. The program was further expanded by the Historic Sites Act of 1935, which established the National Park Service as the primary agency responsible for historic preservation, working in conjunction with other agencies, such as the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress. The program has also been influenced by the work of historic preservationists, such as Ann Pamela Cunningham and John D. Rockefeller Jr., who worked to preserve historic sites, such as Mount Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg.

Nomination_and_Designation_Process

The nomination and designation process for the National Historic Landmarks Program involves several steps, including the submission of a nomination form to the National Park Service, which is reviewed by the National Historic Landmarks Committee, composed of experts from the National Park Service, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and other organizations, such as the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects. The committee evaluates the site based on its significance to American history, such as its association with important events, like the Battle of Gettysburg and the Great Depression, or its association with important figures, such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. If the site is deemed eligible, it is recommended to the Secretary of the Interior, who makes the final decision, often in consultation with other agencies, such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Administration

The National Historic Landmarks Program is administered by the National Park Service, which is responsible for managing and preserving historic sites, such as Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park, as well as historic sites in Washington, D.C., such as the National Mall and the United States Capitol. The program is also supported by other agencies, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which provide technical assistance and funding for historic preservation projects, such as the Save America's Treasures program and the Preserve America initiative. The program works in partnership with state and local governments, as well as private organizations, such as the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Institution, to protect and preserve historic sites, such as the Alamo and the Freedom Trail.

List_of_National_Historic_Landmarks

There are over 2,500 historic sites that have been designated as National Historic Landmarks, including sites such as The White House, The United States Capitol, and The Statue of Liberty, as well as sites related to the American Revolution, such as Independence Hall and The Old North Church. The list also includes sites related to the Civil Rights Movement, such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the National Civil Rights Museum, as well as sites related to the Women's Suffrage Movement, such as the Wesleyan Chapel and the National Woman's Party Headquarters. Other notable sites include the Grand Canyon National Park, the Yellowstone National Park, and the Yosemite National Park, which are also recognized as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Impact_and_Significance

The National Historic Landmarks Program has had a significant impact on the preservation of historic sites in the United States, with many sites being protected and preserved for future generations, such as the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. The program has also raised awareness about the importance of historic preservation, with many sites being recognized as National Monuments and World Heritage Sites, such as the Acadia National Park and the Olympic National Park. The program has also provided funding and technical assistance for historic preservation projects, such as the Save America's Treasures program and the Preserve America initiative, which have helped to protect and preserve historic sites, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge. Overall, the National Historic Landmarks Program has played a critical role in preserving the cultural heritage of the United States, including the preservation of historic sites related to the American Revolution, the Civil War, and other important events in American history, such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the California Gold Rush.

Category:Historic preservation in the United States