Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office

State and Federal Laws Relating to Historic Preservation

Under the Pennsylvania History Code and the National Historic Preservation Act, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), the Commonwealth's official history agency, is designated as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). 

State and Federal Laws Relating to Historic Preservation

Under the Pennsylvania History Code and the National Historic Preservation Act, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), the Commonwealth's official history agency, is designated as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The SHPO administers all official state historic preservation programs and activities. These include:

  • Maintaining the Commonwealth's cultural resource inventory
  • Preparing a state preservation plan
  • Nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places
  • Reviewing state and federal undertakings for effects on cultural resources
  • Assisting in certifying historic building rehabilitation projects seeking federal tax incentives
  • Conducting archaeological investigations
  • Overseeing the designation of historic districts under municipal ordinances
  • Advising local governments on preservation issues
  • Providing grants to restore historic buildings
  • Conducting cultural resource surveys
  • Assisting Certified Local Governments with local historic preservation programs

Below are links to state and federal legislation that protect archaeological and historic resources and contact information for state and federal agencies that participate in the preservation process.

**Note: Sites external to the PHMC and Adobe PDF files will open in a new window.

State Laws, Documents, and Related Resources

 

Federal Laws, Documents, and Related Resources