Preserving Places that Matter

Preservation is about deciding what's important, figuring out how to protect it, and passing along an appreciation for what was saved to the next generation. The National Park Service employs archeologists, architects, curators, historians, and other professionals to help ensure the protection and preservation of the lands and objects entrusted to our care. Beyond the parks, national preservation partnership programs document historic places, develop standards and guidelines, and provide financial and technical assistance to preserve our shared heritage.
 
A group of people with

The NPS & Historic Preservation

Learn what historic preservation is, find out how to take action, and find resources for educating children and youth about the past.

Black and white photo of a bridge over still water.

Cultural Landscapes

Discover the intersection of cultural and natural resources.

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Preservation Movement Turns 50!

The National Historic Preservation Act established the framework for our work with historic places. Learn about the celebration.

A laser scan of a building at Ellis Island.

Documenting History

We document historic places with archival drawings, photographs, and reports, as well as interactive virtual tours based on laser scans!

Old black and white photo of historic buildings at Bandelier National Monument.

A Century of Design in the Parks

This conference – which will be in Santa Fe, NM, June 21 to 23 – will focus on the preservation of built features in national & state parks.

The living room of a mid-century modern home.

Historic Landmarks in your State

National Historic Landmarks are all nationally significant. Find out what has been designated in your state.

A cannon in a filed behind a wooden fence.

Protect a Battlefield

NPS provides support for the preservation of historic battlefields associated with wars on American soil.

View of a downtown sidewalk in Georgetown, CO.

Make your Town a CLG

Learn about how to get your community designated as a “Certified Local Government” to become a partner in Federal preservation programs.