Historic Designations 101

Historic designations are a go-to tool that professional preservationists consider when trying to save a historic site or property. However, for people who don’t spend their days steeped in saving places, it’s not always easy to determine what separates a national landmark from a local one—not to mention all the stops in between. This guide will help you better understand the difference between federal, state, and local designations, their benefits, and their application processes.