Understanding Historic Designations

Historic brick house with gray shutters and a gabled porch under a cloudy sky.

Historic places are recognized in several ways, depending on their level of significance, documentation, and whether they have been evaluated for significance at the federal, state or local levels.

Historic designations in Maryland

In Maryland, historic properties and archaeological sites may be designated at the federal level or on the local level.

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) does not have a state-level designation program, but it does collect data on historic places through the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties.

Designated properties

Sometimes called “listed,” “registered” or “landmarked” properties, designated properties go through a public process and need to meet established criteria for historic significance.

Different designation programs have different processes, criteria, and benefits. Properties can achieve federal and local designation if they go through both processes and meet both sets of criteria.

Inventoried properties

The Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties is Maryland’s official record of known architectural and archaeological resources. It is not a designation. It is a collection of information about potentially historic properties. These properties have not been evaluated for designation through the National Register or similar designation programs.

The Maryland Inventory:

Collects information on potentially historic places
Serves as a tool for research, survey, education, and planning efforts
Does not create legal restrictions or protections for included properties
May provide a foundation for evaluating eligibility for the National Register or local designation

Federal designations

National Register of Historic Places

Maintained by the National Park Service, the National Register is the list of significant historic and archaeological properties considered worthy of preservation by the federal government.

Listing in the National Register:

Recognizes a property’s importance to history, architecture or culture
Makes properties eligible for certain preservation tax credits and federal and state grant programs
Ensures that a federal or state agency undertaking a project, permit, or other activity will consider ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate harm to the property
Does not impose restrictions on property owners

National Register listings provide information for research, education and planning efforts. Learn more about National Register eligibility and nominations.

National Historic Landmarks

Some sites are recognized for their exceptional national importance and designated as National Historic Landmarks by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. National Historic Landmarks represent the highest level of historic recognition in the United States. Fewer than 3% of all properties listed in the National Register are designated as National Historic Landmarks.

There are currently over 70 National Historic Landmarks in Maryland.

The benefits of National Historic Landmark designation are generally the same as for properties listed in the National Register. However, the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to give additional consideration to National Historic Landmarks in the event of a federal project, permit, or other activity, with a goal of avoiding or minimizing harm to the property.

Local designations

Many Maryland counties and municipalities have local historic districts or landmark programs managed by historic preservation or historic district commissions.

A local designation typically:

Provides design review and protection through local ordinances
Applies to properties within local historic districts or individually designated landmarks
May offer local incentives or recognition

For questions about local designation programs, contact your local historic preservation commission or planning department.