Schedule a Research Appointment
The SHPO maintains the most comprehensive files of previously identified historic properties (buildings, districts, objects, archaeological sites, shipwrecks, and structures) in Michigan. These files are fundamental to completing applications for Section 106 Review, planning surveys (above and/or below ground), initiating or revising National Register of Historic Places nominations, and other research initiatives. These files are not yet available online and must be viewed in our office by appointment. Please note that archaeological files/locations are confidential and will only be shared as appropriate for the project.
Research involving the State Archaeological Site File at the Michigan SHPO for Compliance and Due Diligence Projects must be completed by Federally Qualified Archaeologists. Architectural site information is publicly available but for Section 106 submissions, identification work must be completed by a Federally Qualified Architectural Historian.
Effective March 24, SHPO staff are primarily working remotely. As of July 7, SHPO will begin limited re-opening for research appointments for Federally Qualified Consultants only at staff discretion. Read the Research Appointment Procedures for more information about visiting our office for research.
Before an appointment can be requested, you must still follow the instructions below. SHPO staff are making every effort to assist consultants with their research during this time. Consultants with more than one project for research must submit each project in an individual email with an unique identifier in the subject line.
Begin by emailing the following basic information to SHPOresearch@michigan.gov:
If you are interested in archaeological files, you must also include:
Staff will use this information to determine if we have relevant files for you to view and how to best transmit them to you. Due to the significant volume of research requests, we appreciate your patience.
Note that all mail, including project applications, should be sent to our new address (as of Sept. 30, 2019) SHPO-MEDC, 300 North Washington Square, Lansing MI 48913. Mail sent to any prior address will be delayed or returned.
If you submitted a project for review and wish to check on the status, remember that under the National Historic Preservation Act regulations, SHPO has 30 days from the date we receive the complete application to offer comment. The move to another facility coupled with a staff shortage means we are often reviewing projects just before the deadline. As a result, it is difficult to estimate a time for completion. If in fact we surpass the 30 day comment period, it is up to the Federal agency as to how to proceed. Projects are reviewed fastest when they are fully complete upon submission and mailed to our correct address. Please contact SHPO if you have questions.
