The Maryland Preservation Plan - 2005 - Maryland Historical Trust

The survival of some of the State’s historic occupations and traditions isthreatened by declining demand for products such as tobacco, by diminishingnatural resources such as coal and shellfish, by advancing technologies such aslighthouse automation, and by lifestyle changes. The primary sources forcultural information remain the people who experience and still carry on thesetraditions. Such resources are limited however, as many of those who mayremember important events, songs and practices are themselves dying. Thestudy and recording of the memories and traditions of these people is imperativebefore they are lost forever.C. Registration of Historic PropertiesRegistration or listing of historic properties can occur at both the federaland State levels. Listing as a National Historic Landmark or in the NationalRegister of Historic Places confers both a minimal level of protection from Stateand federal actions and eligibility for some State and federal rehabilitation taxincentive, grant, and loan programs. Listing in the Maryland Inventory ofHistoric Properties provides neither these benefits nor these protections, but isfrequently the first step towards National Register or Landmark status.The Status of Heritage Resources1. Federal ProgramsNational Historic Landmarks ProgramThe National Historic Landmarks (NHL) Program, carried out by theNational Park Service, recognizes properties of national significance which areconsidered to possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpretingthe heritage of the United States, and which possess a high degree of integrity.Properties considered for designation as NHLs are identified primarily throughsystematic “theme studies” encompassing the major aspects of Americanhistory, and are evaluated by an Advisory Board of professionals in severaldisciplines who are familiar with the broad range of the nation’s resources andhistorical themes. The program is intended to encourage the long term preservationof nationally significant properties that illustrate or commemorate thehistory and prehistory of the United States.A total of 63 NHLs have been designated in Maryland, including thehistoric district of the City of Annapolis, the U.S. Naval Academy, theMonocacy Battlefield, and a variety of skipjacks, lighthouses, and archeologicalsites. Nominations for NHL status are submitted to the National Park Servicethrough the Maryland Historical Trust. Information about Maryland's NHLs isavailable on the MHT website.National Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places (NR) recognizes districts,buildings, structures, objects, and sites for their significance in American history,archeology, architecture, engineering, or culture, and identifies them as worthyof preservation. Established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966,the National Register is a program of the U.S. Department of the Interior,National Park Service, and is administered at the State level by the MarylandHistorical Trust. Listing in the National Register honors the property by recog-Under a grant from the National Endowmentfor the Humanities (NEH), theMaryland Historical Trust produced thisCD which demonstrates how GIS can beused as an effective research tool.15