NPS Photo
The Park Historic Structures Program is a servicewide effort of people in parks, regional offices, centers, and the Washington, DC office dedicated to preserving and protecting the historic structures of the National Park System.
Examples of historic structures include buildings, monuments, dams, millraces and canals, stockades and fences, defensive works, temple mounds and kivas, ruins of all structural types, and outdoor sculpture.
The Park Historic Structures Program supports the preservation of historic structures through research, planning, and stewardship. Together, these activities help to slow the rate at which historic material is lost and maintain historic character.
Research about historic structures is a prerequisite for treatment. It forms the basis for decision making by park managers, and it also contributes to interpretation, compliance, and facility design.
The primary purpose of planning activities for historic structures is to identify ways to protect these resources while achieving other management objectives. Planning for historic structures can encompasses involvement in park planning, design, preparation of maintenance work procedures, and compliance.
Stewardship of historic structures focuses on five major activities: control of treatment and use, monitoring conditions of deterioration and structural failure, protecting structures from human and environmental threats, retaining or delegating responsibility for structures, and developing the skills and knowledge needed to support the program.
Resources
Looking for more information about the preservation of NPS historic structures?
Last updated: December 8, 2025