Preliminary Evaluation and Nomination Processes

Thank you for your interest in DHR’s Historic Registers program. By undertaking a nomination project, you are contributing to the public understanding of Virginia’s history, architecture, and archaeology.Please know that there are no “typical” nomination projects, as each place has been shaped by its own unique circumstances. The same nomination packet is prepared for both the Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR) and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Although listing in both the state and national registers is honorary, there are stringent standards regarding the historical research, photography, mapping, field inspection, and architectural analysis that make up a nomination packet. To meet these requirements, you will need to be patient, thorough, and detail-oriented. As the State Historic Preservation Office, DHR is responsible for assuring that nominations meet scholarly standards, are factually accurate, and conform to state and federal regulations. Nominations that do not meet these requirements will be returned to the property owner and/or author for revisions. If you are new to the Historic Registers program, please refer to this step-by-step breakdown [pdf] of the register process. Next, contact the DHR Regional Preservation Office that serves the area where your property or historic district is located. A regional staff member will be your first point of contact as you begin work on documenting your property or district. DHR manages the registers program as a two-step process consisting of evaluation for eligibility and then nomination for listing on both registers. Step One: The Preliminary Information Form (PIF):

The first step toward potentially listing a property or historic district on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places begins with completing a Preliminary Information Form. DHR register program staff created this 7+ minute video about the importance of the PIF and what DHR staff look for when evaluating a property using the PIF. The good news is that the 3-page form (below) is relatively simple to complete. If you want some tips or just familiarize yourself with the form before beginning, this video is a great place to start.

DHR’s Preliminary Information Form (PIF) provides baseline information for evaluating a property’s eligibility for the historic registers and is intended to allow a property owner to move forward on a preliminary evaluation without a lot of up front costs or investment of time:

Submit a completed PIF to the Regional staff member you’ve been working with on your project. You may find it helpful to refer to these examples of completed PIFs:
- Historic District
  - 134-5608, L&J Gardens Historic District, City of Virginia Beach
  - 047-5458, Toano Commercial Historic District, James City County
  - 118-5498, Twelfth Street Industrial Historic District, City of Lynchburg
  - 127-7046, North Thompson Street Historic District, City of Richmond
  - 186-5005, Chase City Warehouse Commercial Historic District, Town of Chase City, Mecklenburg County
- Individual Property
  - 056-5050, Coates Farm/Cebula Barn, Madison County
  - 031-0001, Roberson Mill, Floyd County
  - 002-1134, Sugar Hollow School, Albemarle County
  - 078-5197, Amon Richardson House, Rappahannock County
  - 008-5076, T. C. Walker (Rosenwald) School, Bath County
  - 123-5506, Christ and Grace Episcopal Church, City of Petersburg
  - 159-5013, Green Hill Cemetery, Town of Luray, Page County

A completed PIF is evaluated first by DHR’s internal evaluation committee, which is made up of staff members with expertise in history, architectural history, and archaeology.

This committee recommends if an individual property, archaeological site, or a proposed historic district should proceed to listing in the historic registers.
If DHR staff recommends a PIF proceed, then the staff will present it at the next available quarterly meeting of the State Review Board. The SRB may concur with the staff recommendation, request further information, and/or make specific recommendations on aspects of preparing and improving a final nomination.

DHR register program staff created a video about the importance of the PIF and what DHR staff look for when evaluating a property using the PIF. If you want some tips or just familiarize yourself with the form before beginning, the video is a great place to start: Step Two: Preparing a Formal Nomination If the SRB approves a PIF during one of its quarterly meetings, then you may proceed with preparing a formal nomination for the state and national registers. As you prepare the nomination, DHR’s regional staff will continue to serve as your first point of contact throughout the process. Some points to consider regarding the nomination process:

Refer to the Register Nomination Checklist for detailed instructions about preparing a nomination packet.
- Note that nomination materials are not subject to copyright. Maps, photographs, and nomination forms submitted to DHR become part of the public record and are retained in DHR’s permanent archives.
Consider hiring, as many owners do, a private consultant to prepare the nomination. The forms require detailed historical and architectural documentation to prove that a resource meets certain register criteria. While many owners do prepare their own nominations, it takes time and research. (Also, note that the time required for completing a nomination depends on who prepares it and the property or district being nominated. For a nomination prepared by a private consultant, his or her particular schedule also affects the amount of time required.)
Remember, as the State Historic Preservation Office, DHR is responsible for assuring that nominations meet scholarly standards, are factually accurate, and conform to state and federal regulations. Nominations that do not meet these requirements will be returned to the property owner and/or author for revisions.

Both the VLR and National Register were established in 1966. For more than 50 years, DHR has continually maintained high standards for the evaluation and nomination process. Listing is thus selective and honorific. DHR staff will be glad to answer questions regarding the Register program and the PIF and nomination process and procedures.

Updated April 6, 2023

Preliminary Evaluation and Nomination Processes

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