SHPO

New! Arizona State Historic Preservation Plan Update 2019 and Public Survey

The State Historic Preservation Office is currently updating Arizona’s comprehensive state historic preservation plan. The draft plan is now available for public review Click Here.

You are encouraged to review this draft plan update and we welcome any comments, which you may provide through a SurveyMonkey survey Click Here.

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 Preservation/Archaeology Programs
• Assistance through matching grants; and assistance to property owners seeking tax credits and incentives.

Mission Statement

The SHPO works in partnership with the federal, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and private organizations and individuals to assist in planning for the continued use and preservation of heritage resources for the benefit of future Arizonans. In order to fulfill our mission, the SHPO supports educational and outreach activities that bring awareness to Arizona’s rich archaeological heritage and unique built environment resources, provides professional guidance on best practices for preservation and conservation, and manages programs to incentivize preservation activities in the private sector.

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 from where we came. 

Click HERE for Arizona Historic Preservation Plans

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.

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 an Arizona Site Steward Volunteer.
• 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.
• Explore more on our Related Links page

Contact SHPO

The SHPO staff represents various areas of expertise, including prehistoric and historic archaeology, historical architecture, history, architectural history, and grants managements. To submit comments or questions, please contact:

SHPO Administrative Assistant
State Historic Preservation Office
1100 W Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85007

(602) 542-4009 or see the SHPO Staff Directory