Historic Preservation Resources

Owning a historic property comes with unique opportunities and responsibilities. Whether you are researching the history of your building, planning rehabilitation work, seeking preservation guidance, or exploring funding opportunities, the resources below can help property owners make informed decisions while protecting historic character.

Historic Preservation Guidance

These organizations provide information about preservation standards, best practices, policies, and advocacy.

• Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP)
  https://www.achp.gov/
  Federal agency that promotes the preservation and enhancement of the nation’s historic resources.
• National Trust for Historic Preservation
  https://www.preservationnation.org/
  National nonprofit organization offering preservation resources, advocacy, and educational materials.
• National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO)
  https://www.ncshpo.org/
  Information about State Historic Preservation Offices and preservation programs nationwide.
• Historic Preservation League of Oregon (Restore Oregon)
  https://restoreoregon.org/
  Oregon’s statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and reusing historic places.

National Park Service Resources

The National Park Service (NPS) offers guidance for owners of historic properties, including rehabilitation standards and historic designation information.

• Heritage Preservation Services
  https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservation/index.htm
  Comprehensive information about federal historic preservation programs and resources.
• National Register of Historic Places
  https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/index.htm
  Learn about the nation's official list of historic places worthy of preservation.
• Electronic Rehab: Yes/No?
  https://www.nps.gov/tps/education/rehabyes-no/index.htm
  Interactive resource explaining appropriate rehabilitation approaches for historic buildings.

Researching Historic Properties

These resources can help property owners learn about the history, architecture, and significance of their buildings.

• Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS)
  https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/
  Extensive collection of historic photographs, drawings, and documentation maintained by the Library of Congress.
• Oregon Historical Society
  https://www.ohs.org/
  Research collections, archives, photographs, and publications related to Oregon history.
• Society of Architectural Historians
  https://www.sah.org/
  Educational resources and scholarship on architectural history and historic buildings.

Oregon Historic and Archaeological Resources

For Oregon property owners, these resources provide state-specific information about historic preservation, archaeology, and heritage programs.

• National Register of Historic Places - Oregon
  https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/oh/pages/national-register.aspx
  United States' official list of buildings, districts, structures, sites, and objects important to local, state, or national history..
• Oregon Heritage Commission
  https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/default.aspx
  State preservation office programs, grants, inventories, and historic preservation guidance.
• Bureau of Land Management – Oregon/Washington History and Prehistory
  https://www.blm.gov/basic/cultural-resource-series-oregonwashington
  Information about the cultural history and archaeology of Oregon and Washington.
• Oregon Archaeology: Prehistory
  https://www.oregon-archaeology.com/archaeology/oregon/
  Educational information about Oregon’s archaeological heritage and prehistoric cultures.
• Oregon Department of Transportation – Environmental Services
  https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Maintenance/Pages/Environmental-Programs.aspx
  Information regarding cultural resources and environmental review processes.

Building Rehabilitation and Technical Assistance

Property owners planning restoration or rehabilitation projects may find these resources especially useful.

• Historic HomeWorks
  https://historichomeworks.com/
  Practical guidance on historic home maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation.
• Traditional Building Magazine
  https://www.traditionalbuilding.com/
  Articles, technical information, and resources for traditional building methods and historic preservation projects.

Specialized Historic Property Resources

Resources focused on particular building types and preservation challenges.

• League of Historic American Theatres
  https://www.lhat.org/home
  Information and support for the preservation and operation of historic theaters.
• Partners for Sacred Places
  https://www.sacredplaces.org/
  Resources for the preservation and stewardship of historic religious properties.

Education and Professional Development

Property owners interested in learning more about preservation practices can explore these educational opportunities.

• University of Oregon Historic Preservation Program
  https://hp.uoregon.edu/
  Academic programs, research, and educational resources related to historic preservation.
• PreserveNet
  https://preservenet.org/
  Preservation news, training opportunities, and professional resources.

Additional Information

Property owners interested in determining whether their property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places or is located within a historic district should contact their local planning department or the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office for current designation information and guidance on applicable preservation requirements.