Is My Property Eligible for Listing in the National Register?

This is a question owners of older properties frequently ask, and one the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) staff can help answer.

Assessments of eligibility for listing on the National Register are based on information submitted to the SHPO for review. In order to assess a property, an eligibility assessment form and current photographs of the property must be submitted. Photographs should include all sides of the property and its unique features, such as intricate trim or woodwork, staircases, fireplaces or exterior landscaping and outbuildings. Blank eligibility assessment forms and instructions can be downloaded here. If you are unable to download forms, you can also e-mail your name and mailing address to moshpo@dnr.mo.gov or contact the State Historic Preservation Office at 573-751-7858.

Use the form to provide as much information as possible on the property and its historic significance and return it to the State Historic Preservation Office, along with clear current photographs. SHPO staff will review the information and respond in writing to the applicant with an opinion on the property's eligibility.

All assessments are based on National Register of Historic Places criteria for eligibility. A property must retain most or all of its historic physical characteristics in order to be eligible for National Register listing. Additional information on the National Register can be obtained by visiting the National Register of Historic Places. Of particular use in completing the eligibility assessment are National Register Bulletin #15: "How to Apply National Register Criteria" and Bulletin #39: "Researching an Historic Property."

Within 30 days from receipt of the above information, the SHPO staff will respond with a written opinion as to the eligibility of the property. Completed requests for eligibility assessments and accompanying photographs should be sent to: State Historic Preservation Office, Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176.

Here, for the convenience of those wishing to nominate properties to the National Register, are forms and information: