Historic Preservation

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.

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 five year

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. 

Unveiled in 1947 by the Vermont Legislature, the Roadside Historic Site Marker program has proven an effective way to commemorate Vermont’s many people, events, and places of regional, statewide, or national significance.

ACCESS THE VERMONT BARN CENSUS DATABASE

How many barns are in Vermont? In what kind of condition are they? Are significant numbers lost each year? What can be done to preserve these icons of our history and landscape?

The Online Resource Center ( ORC) provides online access to all of the Division for Historic Preservation’s documents related to historic preservation activities throughout the state since the 1960s.

Compiling an inventory of Vermont’s historic resources is the foundation of our preservation program. Statewide survey of properties began in earnest in 1967 and was strengthened by the Vermont Historic Preservation Act of 1975. Since that time, more than 30,000 historical and architectural properties have been surveyed and added to the state’s inventory.

The National Register of Historic Places, established in 1966 by the National Historic Preservation Act and managed by the National Park Service, is the official list of buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts that embody the historical and cultural foundations of our country.

Vermont's historic resources include buildings, structures, landscapes, and archaeological sites, both on land and underwater. If you want to know the historic status of your property or learn about the history of your community, please use our Online Resource Center.

During this time of uncertainty, we are on the job. Feel free to contact us as needed by phone or email, and submit projects electronically to ACCD.projectreview@vermont.gov. Some federal partners have suspended operations but we shall process projects in anticipation of their normal operations.