Historic Preservation

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.

View The Interactive Map

Click Here

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

Historic Agriculture Context

Click to explore Agriculture in Nebraska, 1850s–1960s, a comprehensive study of Nebraska’s agricultural history. This three-year project analyzes farming and ranching trends, landscapes, and property types across more than a century, helping place the state’s agricultural heritage in historical context.

Cover page featuring historic photos of barns, farms, a windmill, and buildings, with the title “Historic Context for Agricultural Resources in Nebraska, 1850s-1960s.”.

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. 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.

Get in Touch

Jade Scott
Standing Structure Survey Coordinator
jade.scott@nebraska.gov
402-429-7465

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Historic Preservation Survey