About SHPO | MiPlace

Historic preservation enhances the quality of our environment and lives. Urban areas are renewed. Small towns retain and recognize the unique character that sets them apart from other communities. Neighborhoods are reclaimed from decline and are revived. Cultural landscapes are protected from uncontrolled development. Historic preservation is much more than an attempt to maintain old buildings for posterity's sake; it serves as a planning and economic development tool that enables communities to manage how they will grow and change. Once historic sites are identified and designated, protection programs and tax incentives can be used to preserve them. A commitment to the preservation of the character of our communities makes good economic sense because it enhances property values, creates jobs, revitalizes communities and promotes tourism.

The SHPO

In 1966, in response to growing public interest in historic preservation, Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act (formally, the NHPA of 1996, amended 1980, 1992 [USC Sec. 470-470t]). The Act required that each state establish a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and that the governor of each state appoint an Officer to oversee preservation activities. Michigan's SHPO was established in the late 1960s. Each year Michigan receives a Historic Preservation Fund grant from the National Park Service to operate its program, which must be matched by state dollars.

Michigan SHPO's main function is to provide technical assistance to local communities and property owners in their efforts to identify, evaluate, designate, interpret and protect Michigan's historic above- and below-ground resources. The SHPO also administers incentive programs that include the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program, federal and state rehabilitation tax credits, and pass-through grants available to Certified Local Government communities. The SHPO must also develop a statewide historic preservation plan every five years, informed by public input, to identify broad preservation priorities and goals. The knowledgeable and passionate SHPO staff is led by the state historic preservation officer, who is appointed by Michigan's governor to carry out provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.

How broad are the Michigan SHPO's activities? We invite you to explore our recent statewide statistics. You can learn more specifics about what we do on the SHPO Programs and Services webpage.

The SHPO programs are funded, in part, with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color national origin, or disability or age in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office for Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20240.