National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1992

National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1992 were enacted to amend the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The amendments aimed to strengthen the preservation of historic sites and cultural resources in the United States, in collaboration with National Park Service, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and State Historic Preservation Officers. This legislation built upon the foundation established by the National Historic Preservation Act and the Antiquities Act of 1906, signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt. The amendments also drew inspiration from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which emphasized the importance of preserving the nation's natural and cultural heritage.

Introduction

The National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1992 introduced significant changes to the way historic preservation was approached in the United States. The amendments were influenced by the work of National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Action Council, and other organizations dedicated to preserving the nation's historic buildings and cultural landscapes. The legislation also reflected the growing awareness of the importance of preserving Native American and African American cultural heritage, as recognized by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the African American Historic Preservation Act. Additionally, the amendments drew on the expertise of National Center for Preservation Technology and Training and the Getty Conservation Institute.

Background

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 was a landmark legislation that established the National Register of Historic Places and provided a framework for preserving historic sites and cultural resources. However, by the 1980s, it became clear that the legislation needed to be updated to address new challenges and opportunities in the field of historic preservation. The National Park Service, under the leadership of Director William Penn Mott Jr., played a key role in advocating for the amendments, which were also supported by Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator John Chafee, and Representative Bruce Vento. The amendments were also influenced by international agreements, such as the World Heritage Convention, and the work of organizations like International Council on Monuments and Sites and UNESCO.

Provisions of the Amendments

The National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1992 included several key provisions that strengthened the preservation of historic sites and cultural resources. The amendments expanded the definition of historic property to include historic districts and cultural landscapes, and provided new authorities for the National Park Service to preserve and protect these resources. The legislation also established the Historic Preservation Fund, which provided funding for State Historic Preservation Officers and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to carry out their responsibilities. Additionally, the amendments encouraged the use of historic tax credits and other incentives to promote the preservation of historic buildings and cultural resources, as recognized by the National Historic Tax Credit Coalition and the Urban Land Institute.

Implementation and Impact

The implementation of the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1992 had a significant impact on the field of historic preservation in the United States. The amendments led to an increase in the number of historic sites and cultural resources being preserved and protected, and helped to promote a greater awareness of the importance of preserving the nation's cultural heritage. The legislation also facilitated the development of new partnerships and collaborations between federal agencies, state governments, and private organizations, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Action Council. Furthermore, the amendments supported the work of National Center for Preservation Technology and Training and the Getty Conservation Institute in promoting the use of innovative technologies and techniques in historic preservation.

Legislative History

The National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1992 were the result of a lengthy and complex legislative process that involved the efforts of many individuals and organizations. The amendments were introduced in Congress by Senator Ted Kennedy and Representative Bruce Vento, and were supported by a broad coalition of historic preservation organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Action Council. The legislation was also influenced by the work of National Park Service, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and State Historic Preservation Officers, as well as international agreements like the World Heritage Convention and the work of organizations like International Council on Monuments and Sites and UNESCO. The amendments were signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on October 30, 1992, and have since had a lasting impact on the field of historic preservation in the United States, as recognized by the National Historic Preservation Act and the Antiquities Act of 1906. Category:United States federal preservation legislation