Historic preservation does not happen by chance, it requires the proper planning, foresight, and education to ensure the protection of Vermont’s historic resources. Effective preservation involves partners and the concerted involvement of many individuals and organizations. With a broad-based effort, thousands of historic resources can endure as landmarks to narrate this brave little state’s distinct sense of place.
2023-2029 State Historic Preservation Plan
The Vermont State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) have the responsibility under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 for developing a Statewide Historic Preservation Plan every six years.
1. Goal: Advocate for Historic Preservation
2. Goal: Recognize Historic Places
3. Goal: Expand Public Outreach and Information Collaboration
4. Goal: Cultivate Pride of Place and Stewardship
2016-2021 State Historic Preservation Plan
Certified Local Government (CLG)
Strengthening local preservation programs, the Certified Local Government (CLG) program encourages the direct participation of local governments in the identification, evaluation, registration, and preservation of historic properties within their jurisdictions. It promotes the integration of local preservation interests and concerns into local planning and decision-making processes. Established by the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980, the program is a partnership between local governments, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, and National Park Service, which is responsible for administering the National Historic Preservation Program.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Vermont’s Historic Buildings
Historic buildings are often inherently energy efficient and their embodied energy mean they have a smaller carbon footprint than new construction. Many older buildings are built to be responsive to their setting and generalized energy enhancements can work against the existing efficiency features. Think intentionally when altering older buildings by respecting the hardwired efficiency that was part of the original construction. These guidelines and links help identify some specific elements of older buildings that contribute to their excellent energy efficiency, identify potential dangers to avoid, and provide some cost-effective measures for enhanced energy efficiency.
Flood Risk and Historic Buildings
Changing weather patterns, extreme weather events, and snow melt in Spring are some of the factors contributing to the risk of flooding. Some historic properties that have historically never flooded before may now be exposed to this rise, and those that flooded in the past may experience more instances with water reaching higher levels than ever before.
Resources for Historic Windows
Resources for understanding your historic windows, when to repair or replace windows, and do it yourself guides.