Looking forward to protect the past: New State Historic Preservation Plan

Carson City, Nev. – Nevada is known around the world for its rich history ranging from enchanting petroglyphs to the authentic stories of Las Vegas’ Westside. To further our goals of preserving our rich history, the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is excited to announce the publication of the new State Historic Preservation Plan that will help guide historic and cultural preservation activities in Nevada for the next eight years.

“Taking a collaborative approach to historic preservation in Nevada provides the opportunity to hear from people across the state and integrate their expertise into our plan,” said Rebecca Palmer, SHPO administrator. “The next eight years will see significant accomplishments in the preservation of Nevada’s iconic history, and I thank all our partners for their efforts to help advance this important undertaking.”

Experts from across the state were consulted in the development of the Plan through the following outreach activities:

• Two surveys completed by 980 members of the public representing all 17 counties
• Six public meetings with approximately 30 attendees at each meeting
• 26 separate interviews with individuals from organizations ranging from the Nevada Congressional and State Delegation and Representatives of Sovereign Tribal Nations to executive directors of preservation non-profits and contract archaeologists

By listening to the priorities of Nevadans and engaging with over 100 preservation partner organizations across the state, 55 historic preservation tasks will be undertaken to meet the 5 goals and 14 objectives outlined in the Historic Preservation plan.

The five primary goals of the plan are as follows:

• Identify and formally recognize significant cultural resources
• Establish historic preservation as a cornerstone for sustainable and vibrant communities
• Balance the goals of respecting, preserving, and promoting Nevada’s significant cultural resources and strengthening the state’s economy and infrastructure
• Provide Nevadans with access to information about cultural resources and how to care for and engage with them responsibly
• Foster a diverse historic preservation community

Nevada’s State Historic Preservation Plan can be downloaded here, and hard copies will be available after the Covid-19 emergency declaration is lifted. If you wish to receive a hard copy, please contact shpo-info@shpo.nv.gov

For more information about the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, please visit shpo.nv.gov/.