Historic Property Project Documentation

The National Park Service has a mission to protect and preserve the nation's heritage assets. The historic preservation work of the NPS is governed by federal law, federal regulations, and presidential executive orders.

At the same time, various factors can influence the projects that restore, rehabilitate, and preserve historic structures and cultural landscapes. There are multiple ways to document the research and decision-making that precede treatment.

Large sheets of paper covered in architectural drawings, with three people talking in the background
NPS project teams can include staff from various divisions and contractors, like this construction project at Mammoth Cave Hotel.

NPS

About the Historic Property Project Documentation Tool

The Historic Property Project Documentation (HPPD) tool helps project teams to collect and integrate cultural resource management information into project planning and development. It provides a consistent format that can be used to inform and document federal decision making related to the treatment of historic structures and cultural landscapes. Currently, other cultural resource types are not captured in the HPPD.

A two-story red mill structure beside a creek with the text "Historic Property Project Documentation Overview"

HPPD Training

This online resource gives a brief overview of the HPPD handbook and a workbook. All three work as a collaborative tool that allows a team to identify and assess appropriate levels of research, documentation, and treatment for historic structures and cultural landscapes. Find out more about when, how, and why to use this tool.

The HPPD is:

  • a flexible tool and should be used as a living document;

  • a collaborative tool;

  • an integrative tool; and

  • documention to support treatment decisions.

HPPD Workbook & Handbook

The Historic Property Project Documentation (HPPD) Tool

Download

Last updated: November 13, 2023

Tools