State Historic Preservation Office
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Nebraska is a crucial organization that plays a vital role in identifying, evaluating, and preserving the state's cultural and historic resources. As travelers explore the cities and towns of Nebraska, they often come across historic buildings, landmarks, and archaeological sites that have been preserved and protected through the efforts of the SHPO. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska's capital city, the SHPO is responsible for implementing the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 at the state level.
One of the key responsibilities of the SHPO is to maintain the Nebraska State Register of Historic Places, a comprehensive list of historic properties that are considered significant to the state's history. Properties listed on the register include historic buildings, such as the Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln, which was completed in 1932 and features a distinctive tower that rises 400 feet above the city. The register also includes archaeological sites, such as the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in Stanton County, which was once home to the Hidatsa and Mandan tribes.
In addition to maintaining the state register, the SHPO also provides technical assistance and funding to individuals and organizations working to preserve historic properties. For example, the SHPO has provided funding to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha to support the restoration of the zoo's historic botanical gardens, which were established in the 1930s. The SHPO has also partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to support archaeological research and preservation efforts at the Scott's Bluff National Monument in western Nebraska, which marks the site where pioneers once crossed the North Platte River.
The SHPO also works closely with local governments and preservation organizations to ensure that historic properties are protected and preserved. For example, the city of Omaha has established a historic preservation ordinance that requires property owners to obtain a permit before making any changes to historic buildings. The SHPO provides technical assistance and guidance to city officials to help them evaluate and review proposed changes to historic properties.
Another important role of the SHPO is to provide education and outreach to the public about the importance of historic preservation. The SHPO offers workshops, training sessions, and other educational programs to help individuals and organizations learn about historic preservation techniques and best practices. For example, the SHPO has partnered with the Nebraska State Historical Society to offer a workshop on historic preservation tax credits, which provides property owners with information on how to use tax credits to fund preservation projects.
In conclusion, the State Historic Preservation Office plays a vital role in preserving and protecting Nebraska's cultural and historic resources. Through its efforts, the SHPO helps to ensure that the state's historic buildings, landmarks, and archaeological sites are preserved for future generations. As travelers explore the cities and towns of Nebraska, they can appreciate the SHPO's work in preserving the state's rich history and cultural heritage.
The SHPO's preservation efforts have also been recognized at the national level. For example, the SHPO was awarded the 2019 National Preservation Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its work in preserving the Willa Cather State Historic Site in Red Cloud, which was once the home of the famous author Willa Cather. The SHPO's work has also been recognized by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which has praised the SHPO for its efforts to preserve historic properties and promote historic preservation throughout the state.
However, the SHPO's work is not without its challenges. The office faces budget constraints, limited staffing, and the ongoing threat of demolition and development that can impact historic properties. Despite these challenges, the SHPO remains committed to its mission of preserving and protecting Nebraska's cultural and historic resources.
One of the key responsibilities of the SHPO is to maintain the Nebraska State Register of Historic Places, a comprehensive list of historic properties that are considered significant to the state's history. Properties listed on the register include historic buildings, such as the Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln, which was completed in 1932 and features a distinctive tower that rises 400 feet above the city. The register also includes archaeological sites, such as the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in Stanton County, which was once home to the Hidatsa and Mandan tribes.
In addition to maintaining the state register, the SHPO also provides technical assistance and funding to individuals and organizations working to preserve historic properties. For example, the SHPO has provided funding to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha to support the restoration of the zoo's historic botanical gardens, which were established in the 1930s. The SHPO has also partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to support archaeological research and preservation efforts at the Scott's Bluff National Monument in western Nebraska, which marks the site where pioneers once crossed the North Platte River.
The SHPO also works closely with local governments and preservation organizations to ensure that historic properties are protected and preserved. For example, the city of Omaha has established a historic preservation ordinance that requires property owners to obtain a permit before making any changes to historic buildings. The SHPO provides technical assistance and guidance to city officials to help them evaluate and review proposed changes to historic properties.
Another important role of the SHPO is to provide education and outreach to the public about the importance of historic preservation. The SHPO offers workshops, training sessions, and other educational programs to help individuals and organizations learn about historic preservation techniques and best practices. For example, the SHPO has partnered with the Nebraska State Historical Society to offer a workshop on historic preservation tax credits, which provides property owners with information on how to use tax credits to fund preservation projects.
In conclusion, the State Historic Preservation Office plays a vital role in preserving and protecting Nebraska's cultural and historic resources. Through its efforts, the SHPO helps to ensure that the state's historic buildings, landmarks, and archaeological sites are preserved for future generations. As travelers explore the cities and towns of Nebraska, they can appreciate the SHPO's work in preserving the state's rich history and cultural heritage.
The SHPO's preservation efforts have also been recognized at the national level. For example, the SHPO was awarded the 2019 National Preservation Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its work in preserving the Willa Cather State Historic Site in Red Cloud, which was once the home of the famous author Willa Cather. The SHPO's work has also been recognized by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which has praised the SHPO for its efforts to preserve historic properties and promote historic preservation throughout the state.
However, the SHPO's work is not without its challenges. The office faces budget constraints, limited staffing, and the ongoing threat of demolition and development that can impact historic properties. Despite these challenges, the SHPO remains committed to its mission of preserving and protecting Nebraska's cultural and historic resources.
