How are National Historic Landmarks Selected?
Potential Landmarks are identified primarily through theme studies undertaken by the National Park Service; these studies provide a comparative analysis of properties associated with a specific area of American history, such as Labor or Women’s History. The historic importance of these potential Landmarks is evaluated by the National Park Service and the National Park System Advisory Board twice yearly at meetings that are open to the public. The Advisory Board includes citizens who are national and community leaders in the conservation of natural, historic, and cultural areas. Recommendations by the Advisory Board are made to the Secretary of the Interior on potential National Historic Landmarks. Final decisions regarding National Historic Landmark designation are made by the Secretary of the Interior. In most cases, designation by the Secretary occurs six to eight weeks following the Advisory Board’s recommendation. Designation may be delayed if questions regarding the significance,
