Interactive StoryMaps
(Click on the image to access the storymap)
Fillmore County
Furnas County
Garfield County
Howard County
2020 Historic Survey Reports
(Click on the image to access the PDF)
What is the purpose of survey, and how does it benefit my community?
A historic resource survey identifies the historic resources of a county, city, town, or neighborhood to help communities make more informed policy decisions, especially those pertaining to historic preservation.
Who conducts a survey?
Members of our Historic Preservation Office will often conduct surveys for their respective programs. We will also occasionally hire expert contractors to conduct surveys. Certified Local Governments (CLGs) are authorized and encouraged to conduct surveys of their respective communities.
What do surveys look for?
A geographic survey will look at buildings, structures, and even objects. A thematic survey is focused on a single type of structure like bridges, movie theaters, or courthouses. Properties must be at least 40-years old to warrant a survey.
Will a surveyor go inside my home?
No. The only time a survey would be conducted within a building is if a property owner has requested an assessment for National Register and/or tax credit eligibility.
How do I know that a survey is happening?
We always hold a public meeting that is advertised in local newspapers before we conduct a county survey.
How can I learn more about the history of my home?
You can check our Historic Preservation Office's page on our website. There you can find interactive maps with information on surveys, the National Register of Historic Places in Nebraska, and historical markers. You can also contact the SHPO to see if we have photographs, old Sanborn or Plat maps, or survey information in our archives. While our records are not comprehensive, it's always worth taking a look!
How can a preservationist tell if a property is “historic” or not?
A surveyor typically looks at roof materials, windows, doors, towers/chimneys, and distinct architectural features for clues that indicate the age of a building. A surveyor will also note details like layout, number of stories, building material(s), and brick patterns.
What does a surveyor do?
Surveyors take photographs of the exterior of buildings, map out the age and integrity requirements of each building, and take notes on distinctive features. If the survey is more intensive, a surveyor might also conduct thorough historical research and conduct interviews with knowledgeable people. Most surveyors use electronic tablets to record this information.
Will a survey result in restrictions or maintenance requirements for my property?
No, a survey will never infringe on your rights as a property owner.
Want to know more? Get in touch with us!
Kate Hewlings
Survey Coordinator
Standing Structure Site Search Coordinator
kate.hewlings@nebraska.gov
402-525-0171
