National Register of Historic Places
Nomination Grant Application Instructions and Qualifications
The Oklahoma Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) receives an annual allocation from the US Department of the Interior's Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) for conduct of the National Register Programs. The SHPO has set aside $12,000 from the HPF award for matching grants for preparation of National Register of Historic Places nominations. This special grant program is designed to encourage nomination of individual properties to the National Register increasing the number of Oklahoma's valuable archeological and historic resources that can benefit from this special designation. This activity is identified as a priority in Sooner Rather Than Later: Let's Preserve Oklahoma's Past, Oklahoma's Statewide Preservation Plan.
Eligible Applicants
- State, county, local, or tribal governments
- Private non-profit organizations incorporated in the State of Oklahoma (Documentation of the incorporation must accompany the grant application.)
Application Requirements
To apply for this special grant assistance, applicants must provide:
- A completed National Register Nomination Grants Application
- A copy of the Articles of Incorporation (for nonprofits only)
- A completed Historic Preservation Resource Identification Form
- At least two (2) photographs of the property that clearly show its current appearance. Black and white or color prints are acceptable. DO NOT submit Polaroid prints.
Matching Requirement
All applicants must provide a cash match on a 60%/40% basis for the grant funds requested. The match must be from a nonfederal source and must be available at the time the application is submitted to the SHPO.
Limit on Grant Request and Use of Funds
In order to maximize the funding available for this program, grant requests are limited to $3,000. The grant funds awarded and the matching share must be used to retain a professionally qualified consultant (see below) to conduct the necessary research and prepare the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (including all photographs and maps). Grant recipients should keep in mind that they will be required to conduct a competitive selection process for the consultant services after the grant is awarded and that the applicant will enter into a fixed fee contract with that consultant. If a grant is awarded to the applicant, the SHPO will provide a list of potential consultants. However, selection of one of these individuals/firms is not required. The applicant may solicit proposals for consultant services from any qualified individual/firm.
Professional Qualifications for Consultants
The applicant will be required to select a consultant who meets the professional qualifications set forth below in the appropriate field for the property which will be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. For example, if the property is a building, the consultant must meet the qualification standards for history, architecture, or architectural history. The qualification standards are as follows:
History
The minimum professional qualifications in history are a graduate degree in history or closely related field; or a bachelor's degree in history or closely related field plus one of the following:
- At least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation, or other demonstrable professional activity with an academic institution, historic organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or
- Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of history.
Archeology
The minimum professional qualifications in archeology are a graduate degree in archeology, anthropology, or closely related field plus:
- At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archeological research, administration or management;
- At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archeology; and
- Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
In addition to these minimum qualifications, a professional in prehistoric archeology shall have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archeological resources of the prehistoric period. A professional in historic archeology shall have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archeological resources of the historic period.
Architectural History
The minimum professional qualifications in architectural history are a graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field, with course work in American architectural history; or a bachelor's degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or closely related field plus one of the following:
- At least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or
- Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of American architectural history.
Architecture
The minimum professional qualifications in architecture are a professional degree in architecture plus at least two years of full-time experience in architecture; or a State license to practice architecture.
Historic Architecture
The minimum professional qualifications in historic architecture are a professional degree in architecture or a State license to practice architecture, plus one of the following:
- At least one year of graduate study in architectural preservation, American architectural history, preservation planning, or closely related field; or
- At least one year of full-time professional experience on historic preservation projects. Such graduate study or experience shall include detailed investigations of historic structures, preparation of historic structures research reports, and preparation of plans and specifications for preservation projects.
Project Standards
To be eligible for reimbursement under this grant program, all work must be in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Evaluation and Registration and all requirements of Oklahoma National Register Nomination and Request for Determination of Eligibility Manual. Costs for work not satisfying these standards will be disallowed.
Application Evaluation
The following factors will be considered in the selection of projects to receive the grant awards:
- Preference will be given to applications for nominations for properties representing under-served communities (i.e., women's history, African American history, Native American history, etc.) and those located in the following counties: Cotton, Dewey, Harmon, McClain, and Major.
- Projects selected will be those for properties that appear to meet the National Register criteria.
- Preference will be given to projects for nomination of endangered properties.
- Ability of the applicant to administer the grant assisted project.
- The extent to which a project allows the SHPO to broaden the geographic distribution of grant assisted activities.
Schedule for Applications and Grant Awards
Application Submission
To be considered for funding, applications must be received by the appropriate deadline stated above. Applications must be mailed to the address below or emailed to Lynda Ozan at Lynda.Ozan@history.ok.gov.
Lynda Ozan
State Historic Preservation Office
Oklahoma Historical Society
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
