Historian how-to
How to Prepare a National Register Nomination
Nominations protect places.
Quick answer
Nominations protect places. In short: research; describe; write, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Research the property.
Describe it.
Write historic context.
Explain significance.
Add photos and maps.
Submit to SHPO.
Safety reminders for historians
- Handle documents carefully
- Get oral history consent
- Protect sensitive records
- Follow site safety
Key terms
Primary source · Secondary source · Oral history · Public history · Archive · National Register: see the full historian glossary.