About the National Register and State Register of Historic Places | Wisconsin Historical Society

Resource Description

About the National Register and State Register of Historic Places

About the National Register and State Register of Historic Places | Wisconsin Historical Society

The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation's official list of historic places worthy of preservation. Since its inception in 1966, the National Park Service has designated more than 80,000 listings; approximately 2400 are in Wisconsin. The register is maintained by the National Park Service in the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The State Register is Wisconsin's official list of state properties determined to be significant to Wisconsin's heritage. The State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society administers both the National Register and State Register in Wisconsin.

Both registers include buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state or local history. In addition, both registers include resources related to architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture.

The majority of properties listed on the National Register are privately owned and are not open to the public. If you plan to visit one, respect the owners' privacy and avoid trespassing on private property. Please view these properties only from the public right-of-way.

How the Registers of Historic Places are Organized

Online

All Wisconsin National Register of Historic Places listings are searchable on our website. Each listing in the collection has a digital record providing basic information about the property.

Then use filters on the left hand side of the results page to refine your search.

Physical

Copies of Wisconsin nominations and their associated documentation are located at the State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society headquarters building. The documents are available for review by scheduling an appointment with Ian Gort.

Learn More

See a weekly list of new National Register listings across the United States.

Learn how to request a preliminary evaluation of eligibility for the National Register.

Have Questions?

Contact Ian Gort at 608-264-6502 or by email below: