Nominating a property for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places can be an exciting, yet lengthy, journey, involving research, preparation, documentation and multiple reviews. Most nominations take about one year to move through the process before being listed on the National Register.
Throughout the nomination and review process you are responsible for all research, writing and revisions. You may choose to hire a professional historian or researcher to nominate the property on your behalf. If you are not working with a professional, please complete the Historic Property Preliminary Evaluation form. Please note this preliminary form is not a nomination, but instead provides us with the information we need to provide an opinion whether National Register eligibility is a possibility.
- Nomination Fundamentals
- A quick reference guide PDF is available at the bottom of the page.
1. Research and Evaluation
The first step is to research and evaluate the property you wish to nominate. It should be evaluated using the National Park Service’s Criteria for Evaluation. Extensive historical research and documentation are required to determine the significance and integrity of the property.
- How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation
- Nomination Guide
The Nomination Guide includes the following:- Research Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
- Research Resources
- Historic Property Preliminary Evaluation Form
2. Preparation of Nomination
The next step is to prepare the digital Nomination Form. This is how you will document the details about the property, how it meets the evaluation criteria, its significance and integrity, and more. Detailed instructions on how to prepare nomination materials are provided in the Nomination Guide.
- Nomination Guide
The Nomination Guide includes the following:- Nomination Form (Required form effective Jan. 8, 2018)
- Nomination Form Instructions
- Nomination Form Checklist
- Multiple Property Owner Spreadsheet
- National Park Service Bulletins, Map Policy, Photo Policy
3. Submission
Once you’ve completed the nomination form and reviewed the Nomination Form Preparation Checklist, you may submit the nomination digitally to the State Historic Preservation Office.
- Nomination Guide
The Nomination Guide includes the following:- Nomination Form (Required form effective Jan. 8, 2018)
- Nomination Form Instructions
- Nomination Form Checklist
- Multiple Property Owner Spreadsheet
4. Review by State Historic Preservation Office
Nomination forms may undergo several reviews by the State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa. During this time the preservation office will work with you and provide feedback to strengthen your nomination.
- Nomination Guide
The Nomination Guide includes the following:- Review Process
- Review Instructions
- Review Schedule
5. Review by State Nominations Review Committee
When the nomination has passed the final review by the State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa it will be submitted to the State Nominations Review Committee. This committee is made up of professionals in architecture, archaeology, architectural history, as well as interested citizens. Committee meetings are open to the public and held three times each year to review drafts of nominations. If the nomination is approved by the State Nominations Review Committee it will be submitted to the National Park Service for final review and listing.
- Nomination Guide
The Nomination Guide includes the following:- Review Process
- Review Instructions
- Review Schedule
6. Listing on the National Register of Historic Places
The final review and approval of a nomination rests with the National Park Service. Owners, consultants and elected officials are notified of listing in writing. If your nomination is not approved you may appeal the decision.
