The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 [16 U.S.C. 470-470w-6 (1994)] directs the Federal Government, in cooperation with state and local governments, Native Americans, and the public, to take a leadership role in preservation.

The earliest Federal preservation statute was the Antiquities Act of 1906. Later came the Historic Sites Act of 1935, which made it national policy to preserve for public use historic sites, buildings, and objects of national significance. It also empowered the Secretary of the Interior to designate properties significant to the nation as a whole as National Historic Landmarks or Sites.

Historic Preservation Law: Federal and State Internet Resources

Federal Government

National & State Organizations

District of Columbia Organizations

See Historic Preservation Law in the District of Columbia

Other Resources

Updated 12/2011 (MMS)

Page last saved on 12/05/2011