National Historic Preservation Act

Definition

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1966 aimed at preserving historical and archaeological sites throughout the country. The act established a framework for protecting cultural heritage, involving federal, state, and local governments in efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect significant sites, particularly those connected to marginalized communities and histories. Its provisions have greatly influenced the management of military installations and the recognition of their historical significance in the context of colonial power dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NHPA was a landmark piece of legislation that emphasized the importance of preserving America's cultural heritage, especially sites significant to underrepresented groups.
2. The act established the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which provides guidance on federal historic preservation policy.
3. Under the NHPA, federal agencies are required to consider the impact of their projects on historic sites, ensuring that these sites are protected during development.
4. The law has led to the creation of numerous state historic preservation offices that work to identify and preserve local historic resources.
5. Military installations have often been significant in understanding colonial power dynamics; NHPA helps ensure that their historical contexts are preserved and interpreted.

Review Questions

• How does the National Historic Preservation Act facilitate the identification and protection of historically significant sites?
  • The National Historic Preservation Act facilitates identification and protection through its requirements for federal agencies to assess the impact of their projects on historic properties. This process includes a Section 106 Review, where agencies must consult with stakeholders and consider alternatives to avoid damaging significant sites. This framework encourages collaboration among various levels of government and community organizations to safeguard important cultural heritage.
• Discuss the implications of the National Historic Preservation Act on military installations in terms of preserving historical narratives related to colonial power.
  • The National Historic Preservation Act has significant implications for military installations as it ensures that their historical narratives, particularly those relating to colonial power dynamics, are acknowledged and preserved. Many military sites are tied to complex histories involving conflict and colonization, and through NHPA's provisions, these stories can be recognized within broader discussions about national identity and memory. This not only protects tangible structures but also promotes a more nuanced understanding of America’s past.
• Evaluate how the National Historic Preservation Act has shaped modern approaches to cultural resource management and its impact on social justice.
  • The National Historic Preservation Act has fundamentally shaped modern cultural resource management by prioritizing the preservation of diverse historical narratives, especially those from marginalized communities. This shift has encouraged a more inclusive approach in recognizing sites that reflect a wider array of social experiences beyond mainstream history. As a result, NHPA not only helps protect physical sites but also champions social justice by elevating voices that have historically been overlooked in narratives about America's past.

Related terms

Section 106 Review: A key provision of the NHPA requiring federal agencies to consider the effects of their undertakings on historic properties and to consult with relevant stakeholders.

National Register of Historic Places: A list maintained by the National Park Service that identifies districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance.

Cultural Resource Management: A field focused on the management, preservation, and protection of cultural resources, including archaeological sites, historic buildings, and landscapes.