Historic Preservation Agencies and Organizations
For many people working to save a historic place, the role of different government agencies and organizations can be confusing. Each plays an important but specific role. Understanding what these agencies and organizations can (and can’t) do will help you chart a course for action.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
The National Park Service is the principal federal agency governing historic preservation programs. Most importantly, they oversee the National Register of Historic Places and the federal tax credit program.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is a small, independent federal agency that promotes historic preservation across the federal government. It advises the President and Congress on national preservation policy, with a special focus on implementation of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, non-profit organization that manages historic sites, intervenes in preservation lawsuits, manages the 11 Most Endangered List, and provides educational programming through its national conference. It is not a government agency and has no role in administering federal programs.
The national advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. is Preservation Action, a 501(c)(4) non-profit that works to develop historic preservation programs through advocacy for federal legislation in the U.S. Congress.
Another important organization is Partners for Sacred Places, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia that supports stewardship of active congregations in older sacred places through capital campaign training and technical assistance.
STATE ORGANIZATIONS
The Texas Historical Commission is the state historic preservation office, based in Austin. As a state agency they administer state programs and act as a liaison for federal programs. With over 250 staff members, they provide assistance in a range of programs and also administer the state’s Main Street program.
Preservation Texas is the only statewide nonprofit historic preservation advocacy and education organization in Texas.
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Most Texas counties have established a County Historical Commission (CHC). These volunteer groups provide county-wide guidance to deliver educational programs, operate history museums, and advise the Texas Historical Commission on historic marker applications, for example. Some CHCs are very active while others meet infrequently. The local CHC can be an important resource, particularly when seeking historic designations.
Local governments that have adopted preservation ordinances usually establish a historic commission, landmark commission or similarly named committee of volunteers. These commissions administer local preservation programs, including local landmark designations, approval of historic building permits, and the development of preservation plans for the community.
Local non-profit preservation organizations operate independently of the government and typically support advocacy and educational programs. Each organization is different; some administer historic sites, some do not. City-focused organizations often provide assistance to smaller communities within their counties.
