National Historic Preservation Act

Definition

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is a key piece of legislation enacted in 1966 that aims to preserve historical and archaeological sites across the United States. It establishes a framework for protecting cultural resources, fostering cooperation between federal agencies and states, and promoting public involvement in the preservation process. The act plays a crucial role in ensuring that sacred sites and cultural resources are respected and protected through consultation and collaboration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NHPA was passed to address the growing concerns about urban development threatening historical sites and to foster a sense of national identity.
2. The act encourages the involvement of local communities and Native American tribes in preserving their cultural heritage through consultation processes.
3. Federal agencies must follow Section 106 of the NHPA when planning projects that may impact historic properties, ensuring thorough assessments are conducted.
4. The NHPA established the National Register of Historic Places, which provides legal protection for sites deemed significant to American history.
5. Amendments to the NHPA have expanded its scope to include a broader range of cultural resources, including those significant to Native American tribes.

Review Questions

• How does the National Historic Preservation Act facilitate collaboration between federal agencies and Native American tribes?
  • The National Historic Preservation Act promotes collaboration by establishing consultation requirements that federal agencies must follow when their actions may affect historic properties. This includes engaging with Native American tribes, who often have a vested interest in preserving sacred sites and cultural resources. Through these consultation processes, tribes can express their concerns and influence decision-making regarding land use and preservation efforts.
• Discuss how Section 106 of the NHPA impacts federal project planning and historic resource protection.
  • Section 106 requires federal agencies to assess the potential effects of their projects on historic properties before proceeding. This assessment involves consulting with relevant stakeholders, including state historic preservation offices and Native American tribes. By mandating this review process, Section 106 aims to minimize adverse impacts on cultural resources, ensuring that preservation considerations are integrated into federal project planning.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Historic Preservation Act in safeguarding sacred sites and cultural resources in contemporary society.
  • The National Historic Preservation Act has been effective in raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding sacred sites and cultural resources. Its framework encourages ongoing collaboration between federal agencies, state governments, local communities, and Native American tribes. However, challenges remain due to conflicting interests from development projects and limited resources for enforcement. As society continues to evolve, ongoing advocacy for stronger protections and respect for indigenous rights is critical to ensure that the NHPA remains effective in protecting these invaluable cultural assets.

Related terms

Section 106 Review: A provision of the NHPA requiring federal agencies to consider the effects of their actions on historic properties and to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate harm.

State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs): State agencies responsible for identifying and protecting historic properties and administering the federal historic preservation program at the state level.

National Register of Historic Places: A list maintained by the National Park Service that recognizes and protects districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture.