Archeology in the National Historic Landmarks Program

The National Park Service's National Historic Landmarks (NHL) Program plays a major role in preserving America's nationally significant cultural resources. National Historic Landmark designation increases public awareness of archeology by highlighting the importance of our most significant prehistoric and historic archeological resources. By disseminating information on threats to archeological NHLs, the Program draws attention to the worse problems confronting our finest sites. By sponsoring study of nationally significant archeological resources, the NHL Program helps us to better understand our past. And by increasing the number of archeological NHLs, the Program publicizes the benefits and limitations of current laws and statutes meant to protect our archeological heritage.

Following the introduction, this publication explains what the NHL Program is; describes the process by which NHLs are identified, nominated, and designated; defines the major issues involving NHL prehistoric and historic archeological resources, and shows how the NHL Program can help to meet the challenge confronting our national archeological heritage.