The Nebraska Historic
Buildings Survey Defined
What is it? The
survey was begun in 1974, it is conducted on a county-by-county
basis, and currently includes over 68,000 properties that reflect
the rich architectural and historic heritage of Nebraska. Researchers
conduct the survey by driving every rural and urban public road
in a county and recording each property that is at least 40 years
old and has maintained its historic integrity. Surveyors never
enter private property without permission. In addition to this
fieldwork, surveyors research the history of the area in order
to better understand it. The Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey
often includes studies of statewide thematic
subjects.
Why does it exist? The survey helps local preservation advocates,
land-use planners, economic development coordinators, and tourism
promoters understand the wealth of historic properties in their
communities. The Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey provides
a basis for preservation and planning at all levels of government
and for individual groups or citizens. It is important to note
that the Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey is not an end in
itself, but a beginning for public planners and individuals who
value their community's history.
What properties are surveyed? Generally, the Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey
includes properties that convey a sense of architectural significance.
Properties that have known historical significance are also described
in the survey. These properties may be buildings, structures,
sites, objects, or districts. As the Nebraska Historic Buildings
Survey is in part federally funded, the State Historic Preservation
Office must use federal guidelines when evaluating and identifying
historic properties.
What will I find in a survey report?
The Nebraska Historic Buildings
Survey findings are organized into county reports for recently
completed county surveys. These reports document the best examples
of architecture per county as the buildings relate to the development
of the region or state in terms of education, commerce, industry,
settlement, etc. Each county report is approximately one hundred
pages long and contains town histories, a description of how
the buildings document the historic development of the state,
and photos of the county's historic buildings. The reports also
make recommendations regarding properties within the county that
may potentially be eligible for listing in the National
Register of Historic Places.
What happens to properties once they
are surveyed? No restrictions are
placed on properties included in the survey, nor does the survey
require any level of maintenance or accessibility by property
owners. Rather, the survey provides a foundation for identifying
properties that may be worthy of preservation, promotion, recognition,
and protection.
How do I get my property surveyed? Download a copy of the Nebraska
Historic Building survey form. Please note that we
do not accept any forms via email. You must send them by US Mail.
Please see our contact page for mailing
information.
Where can I get a copy of a county report?
Reports are available in county
libraries, local historical societies, or through interlibrary
loan. Most county reports are
downloadable in PDF.
A limited number of hard copies are available for each county.
Contact Jill Dolberg at 402.471.4787 or jdolberg@nebraskahistory.org
to find out if the county report you are looking for is available.
