National Historic Preservation Act

Definition

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1966 that aims to preserve historical and archaeological sites across the country. This act established a framework for federal, state, and local governments to work together in preserving cultural resources and ensuring that significant historical sites are protected from destruction or neglect. It plays a crucial role in site preservation, impacts environmental assessments, encourages community involvement in heritage management, and raises ethical considerations in public outreach.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NHPA was established in response to growing concerns about the loss of historical sites due to urban development and federal projects.
2. It created the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which oversees the implementation of preservation programs at various government levels.
3. The act promotes the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties through grants and incentives for state and local governments.
4. One significant aspect of the NHPA is its requirement for federal agencies to conduct environmental reviews and consider cultural impacts before proceeding with projects.
5. The act emphasizes public involvement, encouraging communities to participate in the preservation process by nominating properties for inclusion in the National Register.

Review Questions

• How does the National Historic Preservation Act influence archaeological site preservation and conservation efforts?
  • The National Historic Preservation Act provides a legal framework that requires federal agencies to consider the impact of their actions on archaeological sites. It mandates that significant sites are identified and evaluated before any project that could potentially harm them. This ensures that archaeological resources are preserved through planning processes, offering guidelines for conservation efforts and promoting collaboration among various levels of government.
• What role does Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act play in environmental impact assessments conducted by federal agencies?
  • Section 106 requires federal agencies to assess how their actions might affect historic properties before proceeding with projects. This means that when an agency plans a project, it must evaluate its potential impacts on cultural resources and consult with relevant stakeholders, including the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. This step is essential in ensuring that environmental impact assessments are comprehensive and take into account both environmental and cultural heritage considerations.
• Evaluate the importance of community involvement as promoted by the National Historic Preservation Act in fostering ethical considerations in heritage management.
  • Community involvement is a cornerstone of the National Historic Preservation Act, highlighting its ethical commitment to include local voices in heritage management decisions. By encouraging communities to participate in identifying significant sites and nominating them for protection, the act promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility towards local history. This engagement not only helps preserve cultural heritage but also fosters awareness and education about historical significance, aligning with ethical standards in public outreach and management practices.

Related terms

Section 106: A provision of the NHPA requiring federal agencies to consider the effects of their actions on historic properties and to afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a chance to comment on those actions.

National Register of Historic Places: A list maintained by the National Park Service that includes sites deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance, which can receive various protections under the NHPA.

Cultural Resource Management: The practice of managing and preserving cultural resources, including historic sites and artifacts, often involving compliance with laws like the NHPA.