The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of properties recognized by the federal government as worthy of preservation. The properties are deemed worthy because they significantly represent American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture. The National Park Service sponsors the National Register program, but the program is administered at the state level by each state.

Historic properties include more than just buildings. Structures, sites, objects and districts are also eligible for listing. To be listed on the National Register, a property must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least 50 years old

2. Retain its basic historic integrity

3. Meet one of these requirements:

A. be significantly associated with broad patterns of history,

B. be associated with the lives of people significant in history,

C. have architectural merit

D. have potential information important to history or archaeology.

Listing on the National Register has a number of benefits which may include the following:

· Prestige, raising awareness and pride

· Federal tax incentives

· Access to funding for restoration.

Listing on the National Register does NOT:

· Prevent remodeling, selling, repairing, altering

· Obligate owners to make repairs or improvements

You may nominate a property for listing on the National Register by filling out an application form. Local officials, the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board and the National Park Service, will review the application and rule upon eligibility. For properties in the Bucyrus area, the Bucyrus Preservation Society will provide assistance with completion of the application form. A number of Bucyrus area sites are already listed on the National Register including the downtown business district.

There are numerous federal programs which give special consideration to sites listed on the National Register. Information on these programs is available from the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and at the National Park Service’s National Register web page at www.cr.nps.gov/nr/index/htm.

News / Contact Us / Links / Site Map

700 East Rensselaer Street Bucyrus, Ohio 44820

©2002, Bucyrus Preservation Society, all rights reserved.