August 11, 2015

National Register Guide, Episode 7: Establishing Significance

Establishing Significance

As fantastic as it is, the National Register of Historic Places can get a little confusing—even for a seasoned pro. But fear not, because the National Trust teamed up with Jim Gabbert, a historian with the National Park Service, to create our National Register of Historic Places Guide.

Episode Seven of our guide explains how to actually establish a property's historic significance. This episode answers specific questions such as:
  • What is the success of a National Register nomination based on?
  • Does my property need to be nationally significant to be listed in the National Register?
  • What role does historic context play in establishing significance?
  • What does "historic context" really mean?
  • What are some potential themes that relate to historic significance?
  • How do you actually establish a property's significance?

We hope you enjoy the show.

Special thanks to the President Woodrow Wilson House for filming accommodations.

David Weible headshot

David Weible is a former content specialist at the National Trust, previously with Preservation and Outside magazines. His interest in historic preservation is inspired by the ‘20s-era architecture, streetcar neighborhoods, and bars of his hometown of Cleveland.

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