Most Historic Preservation Fund grant programs require that the property or site receiving a grant be listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designated a National Historic Landmark. Information on this page will help you research whether or not a property or group of properties (called a district) has been listed or designated.
Communities and groups across the United States have worked with state, tribal, territorial, and local officials to identify significant cultural resources. There are resources throughout the country that are said to be "listed" in the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are on the federal list of significant historic buildings, sites, structures, and objects. A select few of these resources have been separately designated as National Historic Landmarks because of their exemplary significance and historic integrity.
There are many buildings, sites, structures, and objects listed in the National Register—many in your community. The National Register is a growing, dynamic list to which sites are added regularly. Use the links below to help you research to see if a property has been listed in the National Register.
How to Find a National Historic Landmark or National Register Property
Finding National Historic Landmark Properties
The National Historic Landmark Program maintains a list of properties that have been designated as National Historic Landmarks.
Finding National Register Listed Properties
Start by looking up the property in the National Register database. If you find the property, make sure to note the reference number. Remember, you may need to search by the resource's historic name or even the name of the neighborhood in which it is located. Some properties have direct links to the digitized nomination form visible by scrolling to the column titled "External Link." If the property can't be located in the National Register database or does not have a direct link to the nomination form, you can also find National Register nominations through the National Archives and Records Administration. There are a few ways to search the National Archives catalogue using the options below.
Note: The National Archives and Records Administration holds National Register nominations dating from 1966–2012. Not all nominations have been scanned into the online system. Eventually all documents will be available in the National Archives database. If you are looking for material not yet in their system, please reference the National Register Weekly List.
If the nomination has not been posted online yet you can also request a copy from the National Register Office directly. Please include the name of the property, the state, and the reference number (or as much information as you know on the property). See the National Register of Historic Places homepage for more details.
Locating National Register Nominations at the National Archives
Option 1: Search by Reference Number
Use the National Register searchable table or spreadsheet to find the nomination you are looking for. Once you’ve found the property, visit the National Archives Catalogue and replace the reference number with the one you want.
Option 2: Search by property name
Use the National Register searchable table or spreadsheet to find the nomination you are looking for. Once you’ve found the property, visit the National Archives Catalogue and replace the name of the property with the one you want.
Option 3: Search by state
Visit the National Archives Catalogue. You’ll find a list of finding aids by state and territory. Scroll to find your state. Select your state and click on “Search Within this File Unit.”
Option 4: Search by Keyword
Visit the National Archives Catalogue. Each individual file has text recognition. In addition NARA's search engine will allow you to search across all pdfs for instances of the word/phrase. Sample searches: "national register of historic places" and "Rachel Carson".
Last updated: June 4, 2024