The Word on Wednesday: National Historic Landmark

What is a National Historic Landmark, exactly? And is it the same thing as something listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Well, yes and no! By definition, a National Historic Landmark (or “NHL”) is on the National Register of Historic Places (or “NRHP”). But very few properties on the NRHP list are also deemed to be a NHL.

According to the National Park Service National Historic Landmark Program (how is that for a government name?), the NRHP is an official list of more than 90,000 of the nation’s historic properties considered worthy of preservation. These properties tell stories that are important to a local community, the residents of a specific state, or to all Americans. They must also have good historic integrity.

A NHL, on the other hand, must be relevant to all Americans and must have the highest level of historic integrity. An example from my home state of Connecticut is the Mark Twain House in Hartford. Mark Twain is clearly a person relevant to all Americans as an author and influential citizen of his time, and his Hartford home is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture.

Do you know of any NHL’s in your state? The National Park Service site has tons of information on where to find them across the nation – check it out!

Enjoy this post? You might also like this and this.

Don’t miss a post! Subscribe via e-mail on the upper right of the Home page.

Deb Cohen

My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.