Historic Preservation
Historic preservation is the practice of identifying, maintaining, and restoring buildings, artifacts, and areas of geographic and cultural heritage. This effort, usually supported by government entities and non-profits, seeks to safeguard historically significant properties for future generations. By preserving our physical history, historic preservation contributes to our understanding of the past and helps maintain cultural identity.
Examples
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Old Town Victorian Houses: As part of Old Town’s historic preservation initiative, homeowners who own Victorian-era properties may receive renovation grants designed to assist in maintaining the architectural integrity of these historic homes.
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National Trust for Historic Preservation: This organization offers resources and support for protecting iconic historic places across the United States, assisting with everything from funding to media campaigns to prevent the demolition or neglect of historic properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What qualifies a property for historic preservation?
A: A property typically qualifies for historic preservation if it has historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance. Listings on national, state, or local historic registers often determine eligibility.
Q: How does historic preservation benefit communities?
A: Historic preservation can enhance community pride, attract tourism, boost local economies, and contribute to environmental sustainability through the conservation of resources.
Q: Are there any financial incentives for preserving historic properties?
A: Yes, various financial incentives like tax credits, grants, and low-interest loans are frequently available for the preservation of historic properties.
Q: Can modern additions be made to a historic property?
A: While modern additions can be made, they should be done in a way that does not compromise the property’s historical integrity and must typically receive approval from relevant historical authorities.
Q: What is a ‘Historic District’?
A: A historic district is an area many historic buildings, sites, structures, and spaces, united by past events or an aesthetically consistent historical appearance, are preserved through ordinances and guidelines.
- Historic District: An area with a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development.
- Historic Structure: A building or structure that holds significance due to its association with history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
- Certified Historic Structure: A building recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as being of historic significance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Conservation Easement: A legal agreement that permanently limits uses of the land to protect its conservation values, often used to preserve historic sites.
Online Resources
References
- National Park Service. (2021). Technical Preservation Services.
- National Trust for Historic Preservation. (2022). Saving Places.
- Historic Tax Credit Coalition. (2023). Historic Preservation Tax Incentives.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “A Richer Heritage: Historic Preservation in the Twenty-First Century” by Robert E. Stipe
- “Historic Preservation: An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practice” by Norman Tyler, Ted J. Ligibel, and Ilene R. Tyler
- “Keeping Time: The History and Theory of Preservation in America” by William J. Murtagh
- “Why Old Places Matter: How Historic Places Affect our Identity and Well-Being” by Thompson Mayes
Real Estate Basics: Historic Preservation Fundamentals Quiz
### What is the main goal of historic preservation?
- [ ] To modernize old buildings.
- [ ] To increase property values.
- [ ] To prevent the destruction of properties with historical significance.
- [ ] To improve city aesthetics.
> **Explanation:** The primary goal of historic preservation is to prevent the destruction of properties with historical significance, allowing them to be enjoyed by future generations.
### What types of properties can be targeted for historic preservation efforts?
- [ ] Only commercial properties.
- [ ] Only residential properties.
- [ ] Both residential and commercial properties.
- [ ] Only government properties.
> **Explanation:** Historic preservation efforts can target both residential and commercial properties deemed historically significant.
### How does historic preservation benefit local economies?
- [ ] By employing modern construction techniques.
- [ ] By increasing the utility costs.
- [ ] By encouraging tourism and potentially boosting local investment.
- [ ] By reducing neighborhood safety.
> **Explanation:** Historic preservation can benefit local economies by encouraging tourism and potentially attracting investments, thanks to the appeal of historically preserved areas.
### Are financial incentives available for historic preservation?
- [ ] No incentives are available.
- [ ] Yes, such as tax credits, grants, and low-interest loans.
- [ ] Only grants.
- [ ] Only low-interest loans.
> **Explanation:** Financial incentives such as tax credits, grants, and low-interest loans are often available to support historic preservation efforts.
### What organization is primarily responsible for recognizing historic structures in the U.S.?
- [ ] The Environment Protection Agency (EPA).
- [ ] The Department of Labor.
- [ ] The Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- [ ] The National Park Service (NPS).
> **Explanation:** The National Park Service (NPS) is primarily responsible for recognizing historic structures in the U.S., particularly through listings on the National Register of Historic Places.
### Can modern modifications be made to historically preserved properties?
- [ ] Yes, without any restrictions.
- [ ] No, not under any circumstances.
- [ ] Yes, but they must not compromise the property’s historical integrity and typically need approval.
- [ ] Only with permission from the local fire department.
> **Explanation:** While modern modifications can be made to historically preserved properties, they must be done in a manner that does not compromise the property's historical integrity and generally require approval.
### What is a 'Historic District'?
- [ ] An area with a large number of contemporary buildings.
- [ ] An area famous for its modern architecture.
- [ ] An area with a significant concentration of historical buildings and sites.
- [ ] An artificially created holiday destination.
> **Explanation:** A 'Historic District' is an area with a significant concentration of historical buildings, sites, and structures that are perceived to have historical, cultural, or aesthetic importance.
### What kind of preservation agreement limits land uses to protect its values?
- [ ] Rental Agreement.
- [ ] Employment Contract.
- [ ] Conservation Easement.
- [ ] Loan Agreement.
> **Explanation:** A Conservation Easement is a legal agreement that limits land uses to protect its values, often used for preserving historic sites.
### What is one common challenge faced in historic preservation?
- [ ] Too much funding.
- [ ] Lack of historical sites.
- [ ] Balancing modern needs with historical value preservation.
- [ ] The rapid growth of uninformed local populace.
> **Explanation:** One common challenge in historic preservation is balancing the modern needs and requirements of the population with the continuous effort to preserve the historical value of properties.
### Who manages the National Register of Historic Places in the United States?
- [ ] The Department of Commerce.
- [ ] The National Park Service.
- [ ] The Federal Reserve.
- [ ] The General Services Administration.
> **Explanation:** The National Park Service manages the National Register of Historic Places, which includes historically significant sites and properties in the United States.
