List a property
The following is a step-by-step guide to the process for nominating a property in the National Register of Historic Places and/or the Register of Historic Kansas Places (printable version). Find information about nominating a historic district.
1. File a Preliminary Site Information Questionnaire
This is a four-page form that the SHPO staff uses to evaluate whether properties meet the requirements for listing in the registers. A property sponsor (often the property owner) should submit this form, along with photographs of the property, to the Cultural Resources Division.
2. Receive Eligibility Letter
Within 30 days of submitting the PSIQ, the property sponsor will receive a letter from staff indicating whether the property is eligible for the registers. If the property is eligible, the letter will include a nomination form and instructions on how to proceed with the nomination.
3. Submit a Draft Register Nomination*
A National Register form consists of two main parts, a narrative architectural description of the nominated property and a statement of significance. The statement of significance must provide a history of the property and justification of its significance in accordance with the applicable National Register criteria. The Kansas Register form mimics that of the National Register. The nomination sponsor or hired consultant is responsible for compiling the draft nomination. For guidance on completing the form, refer to National Register Bulletin 16A: How to Complete the National Register Registration Form. If you need assistance researching your property see our Researching Historic Properties page or refer to the Researching a Historic Property bulletin.
*Submitting a draft nomination does not guarantee a nomination will be placed on the next HSBR agenda. SHPO staff will inform the preparer when a nomination is scheduled for a quarterly meeting. Click here for more about the nomination process.
4. Receive SHPO Staff Feedback
The staff carefully reviews each nomination and usually suggest revisions with the intention of helping the author produce the strongest nomination possible. The SHPO staff reviews and comments on the draft within 60 days. Revisions will continue until staff determines the documentation is adequate and the nomination is ready to be scheduled for consideration by the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review. Obtaining the written consent of the property owner to proceed with the nomination is strongly recommended. Once ready for the board, SHPO needs to have the following (with consultation of register coordinator):
- Electronic Microsoft Word document of nomination
- Digital photographs in TIFF or high-resolution JPEG format
- Digitally-generated map meeting NRHP requirements
- GIS file (if property is larger than 10 acres)
- Current list of all property owner(s) based on current title or deed research
- Letter of consent from property owner(s)
5. Consideration by the Board
Once a nomination is considered complete, it will be considered by the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review. This board, which meets quarterly, is appointed by the Governor to make recommendations on the nomination of properties to the registers. Nominations are presented to the board by Cultural Resources Division staff or qualified professional consultants. Nomination sponsors are encouraged to attend this public meeting.
6. Review Board lists property in the Kansas Register
If approved by the review board and the State Historic Preservation Officer, the property will be listed in the Register of Historic Kansas Places following the meeting.
7. National Park Service Considers Nomination
If the property is being nominated to the National Register, the nomination will be forwarded to the National Park Service for consideration. The nomination sponsor and property owner will receive notification from the SHPO when a property is officially entered in the National Register.
Approved nominations are uploaded to the register database.
The nomination process takes between six and 12 months to complete.
Regarding plaques: Owners of properties that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and/or the Register of Historic Kansas Places may wish to display a plaque on their building noting its significance. Although our office encourages owners to display a plaque recognizing their property’s history, we do not sell or distribute plaques. We do have a list of several reputable sources that have catalogs with the different styles of plaques. There may be some local companies not listed that sell custom plaques, too.
Questions? Contact the Cultural Resources Division at 785-272-8681, ext. 240; kshs.shpo@ks.gov.
