1. What is historic preservation?
2. How does historic preservation benefit Arizona?
3. What is the role of the State Historic Preservation Office?
4. How can you become involved in historic preservation?

What is historic preservation?

Historic preservation is the identification, management, and protection of tangible elements from the past for future generations. It is the history that we can see and experience. As we move into the future with the explosion of new technologies, historic preservation provides an anchor to our past. Historic preservation encourages the protection of historic and archaeological resources that are associated with important past events, themes, and people; that are representative of periods and types of architecture, possess high artistic value; or that are likely to yield valuable information about the past. Historic preservation helps us to know who we are by teaching us about where we came from.

How does historic preservation benefit Arizona?

• Arizona's historic and archaeological properties are tangible reminders of the people and events that molded our state.
• Arizona's archaeological sites hold the clues to 12,000 years of culture, land use, settlement, and exploration.
• Historic buildings provide character and a sense of continuity for our communities.
• Arizona's unique historic and archeological resources attract tourists from all over the world.
• Reuse of existing historic residences and commercial properties conserves energy and materials and is less expensive than building new structures.
• Historic preservation helps to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods and business districts.

What is the role of the State Historic Preservation Office?

The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a division of Arizona State Parks, assists private citizens, private institutions, local governments, tribes, and state and federal agencies in the identification, evaluation, protection, and enhancement of historic and archaeological properties that have significance for local communities, the State of Arizona, or the Nation. The role and function of the SHPO is defined in both state law (Arizona Historic Preservation Act) and federal law (National Historic Preservation Act, as amended). Activities of the SHPO include:

• Statewide survey to identify and evaluate historic structures and archaeological sites;
• Nomination of eligible historic and archaeological properties to the National Register of Historic Places;
• Review of federal and state actions that may affect historic and archaeological properties;
• Technical assistance to owners of historic properties;
• Technical assistance to Certified Local Governments/local preservation commissions;
• Public education and awareness programs;
• Assistance through matching grants; and assistance to property owners seeking tax credits and incentives.

The SHPO staff represents various areas of expertise, including prehistoric and historic archaeology, historical architecture, history, architectural history, and grants management. The staff provides service and conducts activities in the following program areas.

How can you become involved in historic preservation?

• Learn more about the history of your community and Arizona.
• Join a local preservation, historical, or archaeological organization.
• Become a Site Steward.
• Encourage heritage education programs in your schools.
• Support businesses in your historic downtown districts.
• Visit local and state historic and archaeological parks and sites.
• Become involved in local and state decisions, ordinances, and legislation that affect historic and archaeological resources.