Is Your Property Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places?
About Register Eligibility
The National Register and State Register of Historic Places recognize significant properties that physically embody important aspects of local, state, and national history.
The National Register is largely an honorific program. It does not necessarily prevent buildings from being demolished. It does convey a sense of pride of place. Buildings listed on the National Register are eligible for historic tax credits.
Criteria for National Register Eligibility
Eligible properties must retain the essential physical appearance of the historical period in which they were significant and meet at least one of four National Register criteria.
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Be a good local example of an architectural style
To be individually eligible in the area of architecture, a property must retain the majority of its original architectural features and be a good example of the style and period.
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Be associated with a person important in our past
The property must be the resource most closely related to a person's period and area of importance.
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Represent an important historic trend or event
Represent an era, movement, or trend in local, state, or national history.
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Have the potential to yield information
These types of properties are primarily archaeological sites.
How to Evaluate a Property's Eligibility
Preparing documentation for nominating a property requires substantial time and research expertise. Before you decide to invest time and resources to prepare a National Register nomination, SHPO can provide a preliminary evaluation of the property's eligibility. Property owners can submit a National Register Questionnaire and photos of the property to SHPO to request an evaluation. The questionnaire helps you begin gathering the information you will need for a future nomination. SHPO staff will review your completed questionnaire and provide an opinion about the property's potential eligibility.
Download the National Register Questionnaire
To begin your research, we recommend you start by searching the SHPO's Architecture and History Inventory to discover existing information we may have about your property.
The Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Search AHIWhat You Should
Know Before You Proceed with a Nomination
Because of the complexity of preparing a nomination, we recommend that you hire an experienced nomination preparer to complete a nomination that will meet state and federal standards. A list of nomination preparers is available. It is the responsibility of the sponsors of nominations to submit the necessary forms, photographs, and maps. Nomination preparation requires the ability to describe architectural features, write a historical analysis, and closely adhere to rigorous technical instructions; skills which most first time preparers find very difficult to master.
Architecture & History Consultants
This is a list of individuals who have independently prepared at least one complete National Register of Historic Places nomination approved by the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Review Board during the past two years. Consultants who have prepared nominations in other states may request to be placed on the list by the State Historic Preservation Office.
The Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation's official list of historic places worthy of preservation. 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.
Search Registers
Important Information about Rehabilitation Tax Credits
Owners of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places may be eligible to apply for rehabilitation tax credits. Depending on the type of building and the proposed project, you may need to complete other forms instead of this questionnaire.
Learn More About Tax Credits for Historic Building Rehabilitation program
State Historic Preservation Office
The Society serves as Wisconsin’s federally designated State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The SHPO helps people connect to the past through historic places. We coordinate state and federal preservation programs that help the people of Wisconsin preserve historic places that are important to their communities. We also maintain state records for historic properties and archaeological sites.
Learn MoreQuestions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or have other questions about the registers, reach out today!
Email UsLast Updated: April 14, 2026
