Skip to Main Content
Memberships

Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation Survey

Historic Preservation Survey

A Historic Survey is the first step taken by our State Historic Preservation Office to support community-led preservation initiatives. The goal of county historic surveys is to identify any historic buildings or structures that are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and have historic significance to a particular county.

The data collected from the survey is compiled into a report and made available to the community free of charge. Reports can be accessed through our interactive map, or by contacting our office. These reports can be used to create a historic preservation plan or to participate in other state preservation programs.

Forms for Contractors

Below is a list of digital resources our SHPO staff have developed to assist you. Click here to access the files.

 

  • Architectural Historian / Historian / Architect Consultant Form
  • Architectural Consultant List
  • Archeological Consultants Form
  • Archeological Consultant List
  • Archeology Site Form
  • Standing Structure Survey Webinar

2020 Historic Survey Reports

Click on the image to access the PDF

FAQ's

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.
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.

Get in Touch

Jade Mendoza
Standing Structure Survey Coordinator
[email protected]
402-429-7465

John Swigart
Section 106 Review and Compliance Coordinator
Archeological Survey Coordinator
GIS
[email protected]
402-560-0574

Help Shape History

Become a Member

Being a member is the easiest way to be involved in our mission to preserve and share our state’s rich history. Find out how!

Volunteer

Volunteers work with History Nebraska staff members to support our mission

Start Your Career

Interested in joining the History Nebraska team? Keep an eye on job listings!

About NSHS

The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

About Us
Our Board
Careers
Internships
Contact Us
Explore Nebraska

Discover the real places and people of our past at these NSHS sites.

View All Nebraska Sites
Chimney Rock
Fort Robinson
John Neihardt
Nebraska History Museum

Explore Nebraska

 

Neligh Mill
Senator Norris House
Thomas Kennard House
Historical Markers
Gift Shops

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of NSHS members.

NSHS Education

Learn more about the educational programs provided at our museums, sites, and online.

Education Digital Learning Resources

Find games, lists, and more to enhance your history education curriculum.

Museum Field Trips
Virtual Field Trips
Summer Workshops
Scout Merit Badge Workshops

NSHS Programs

Learn more about the programs associated with NSHS.

Historical Markers
Historical Marker Equity Program
National Register of Historic Places
Nebraska Hall of Fame
Semiquincentennial Commission

 

 

Nebraska Statewide Cemetery Registry
Willa Cather National Statuary Hall
Heritage Hero Award Recipients
Nebraska SHRAB

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast!

Nebraska Collections

NSHS's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Research, Reference, & Genealogy
About Collections
Digital Collections Portal
Government Records

Explore Nebraska Collections

Library Search
Manuscript Finding Aids
Moving Images Inventories
Photo Collection List
Sound Recordings Inventories

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

NSHS's Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

NSHS Services

Digital Resources

Find all of our digital resources, files, videos, and more, all in one easy-to-search page!

All Services
Archeology
Collections
Conservation Center
Digital Curation
Historic Preservation
Publications

Support The Historical Society

Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to the Nebraska State Historical Society help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of NSHS.

Volunteers are the heroes of NSHS. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.

Get Involved
Memberships
Volunteer