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Oklahoma's Statewide Preservation Plan

2020 Statewide Preservation Plan Goals & Objectives

How We Can All Help in the Historic Preservation Movement

Every citizen, agency, and nonprofit in Oklahoma can help advance the historic preservation movement. Although the State Historic Preservation Office is at the center of historic preservation, it is not the only avenue through which action can be completed. The following objectives and action items are only a small sampling of the ways different entities can help and will be used as a checklist for the preservation movement in Oklahoma. When an objective or action item has been completed, you will see it look like this: It will be crossed out.

The groups listed under Objectives (things we want to accomplish) and Action Items (how we accomplish them) are based on the following definitions and not all groups will be represented in every objective:

  • Citizen: An individual or group of individuals interested in historic preservation; business organizations
  • Agency: A government agency, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oklahoma Emergency Management, and others
  • Nonprofit: A 501(c)3 with an interest in historic preservation
  • SHPO: The State Historic Preservation Office

Goal #1: Provide information about Oklahoma’s archeological and historic resources to increase public awareness and foster an effective statewide preservation network.

  • Develop and promote curricula to enhance the teaching of Oklahoma history and historic and heritage preservation topics in Oklahoma schools (elementary, secondary, and higher education).
    • Citizen: Elementary or secondary school classes can "Adopt a Building" to learn more about endangered historic properties in their area.
    • Agency: Higher education creates a historic preservation certification or degree program.
    • Nonprofit: OKPAN promotes Project Archaeology training for teachers and the Archaeology Skills Workshop series.
    • SHPO: Promote participation in National History Day, highlighting the historic preservation award.
  • Expand effective working relationships with representatives of the media and increase the use of resources such as social media, email, listservs, and print to transmit information about preservation issues to the public.
    • Citizen: Follow historic preservation-related organizations (SHPO, Preservation Oklahoma, Inc., Oklahoma Historical Society, local historical societies) on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. (Ongoing)
    • Agency: Federal or state agencies can invite media staff to the excavation of an archeological site. (2020/2021)
    • Nonprofit: Write a series of articles on the how-tos of historic preservation.
    • SHPO: Coordinate with local newspaper columnists for a series of articles on historic preservation.
  • Make information about Oklahoma's significant historic and archeological resources, including threats to them, widely available.
    • Citizen: Participate in a "This Place Matters" or "Heart Bomb" campaign. (February 2020)
    • Agency: Oklahoma Archeological Survey can create a website section dedicated to discussing threats to archeological sites in Oklahoma.
    • Nonprofit: Oklahoma Public Archaeology Network (OKPAN) promotes Oklahoma Archaeology Month. (October 2020)
    • SHPO: Improve access to the Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory database online. (Ongoing
  • Develop programs for government agencies, clubs, nonprofit groups, and other organizations about Oklahoma's heritage and its preservation.
    • Citizen: Individuals in a historic neighborhood develop a history of their neighborhood to share with other neighborhood associations, schools, etc.
    • Agency: Tribal Historic Preservation Offices participates in training opportunities sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Office.
    • Nonprofit: Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. promotes the Most Endangered Places list. (Annual)
    • SHPO: Present biannual workshops to educate the public about historic preservation in Oklahoma. (Ongoing
  • Assist organizations or agencies in preservation advocacy efforts at the national, state, and local level.
    • Citizen: Become a member of historic preservation-related organizations.
    • Agency: Local government maintains a list of endangered historic properties in their community. (Scheduled 2021)
    • Nonprofit: Cosponsor an update of the economic impact study.
    • SHPO: Develop a Historic Preservation 101 website. (In process, 2021)
  • Interpret and strengthen Oklahoma's heritage through tourism initiatives and through significant properties accessible to the public.
    • Citizen: Visit a historic home museum or historic state park in the state.
    • Agency: Provide adequate maintenance to historic sites and encourage the public to visit. (State Parks/Tourism & OHS 2021/2022)
    • Nonprofit: Local historical society conducts a tour of historic properties and shares the history of their community. (Heritage Hills & Gatewood)
    • SHPO: Provide the history of Oklahoma buildings and sites to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to include on their website.
  • Expand Oklahoma's network of preservation partners in rural and under-recognized communities, and among diverse cultural groups.
    • Citizen: Prepare a National Register of Historic Places nomination for a property or site associated with an under-recognized community. (2021)
    • Agency: University expands curriculum associated with under-recognized communities (African Americans, women, American Indians, LGBTQ, etc.).
    • Nonprofit: Local historical society or preservation organization conducts a membership drive.
    • SHPO: Work with local historical societies to develop various historic tours appropriate for their communities. (Shirley Nero)
  • Consult with tribal governments and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to exchange historic preservation program information and to develop effective working relationships.
    • Citizen: Notify tribal governments of potential archeological site find. (Ongoing)
    • Agency: Oklahoma Department of Transportation consults with tribal governments about potential highway construction and its impact on tribal resources. (Ongoing)
    • Nonprofit: Historic home or local historical society works with tribal governments to promote the cultural history of the property or community.
    • SHPO: Provide technical assistance to tribal government planning. (Muscogee (Creek)/Kiowa/Cherokee)
  • Continue publication and free distribution of Preservation Oklahoma News, a quarterly publication, and update the online preservation calendar to share preservation news statewide.
    • Citizen: Business contributes an article about their successful historic tax credit project. (Scheduled 2021)
    • Agency: Federal or state agency provides articles on successful mitigation through Section 106. (Scheduled 2021)
    • Nonprofit: Oklahoma Anthropological Society provides two articles highlighting their fall and spring archeological digs.
    • SHPO: Digitize and make available all copies of the newsletter. (Ongoing)
  • Encourage communities to participate in the Oklahoma Main Street Program and the Certified Local Governments Program.
    • Citizen: Attend local government meetings.
    • Agency: Consult with local government concerning federal actions. (ODOT and CLGs)
    • Nonprofit: Promote the Oklahoma Main Street Program or Certified Local Governments Program in their local community.
    • SHPO: Improve partnership with Oklahoma Main Street Center. (Ongoing/2022)
  • Present a special events-based speaker series and conduct special training courses.
    • Citizen: Attend a "How to prepare a National Register of Historic Places nomination" training course.
    • Agency: Send staff to learn about mortar repair at the special events-based speaker series presentation.
    • Nonprofit: Hire a speaker to present a workshop on historic wood window repair. (Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.)
    • SHPO: Organize a "How to conduct a historic/architectural survey" training course.
  • Assist in the development, maintenance, and distribution of an online-only toolkit for historic preservation.
    • Citizen: Business uses tools provided to renovate historic building for office space.
    • Agency: Provide updated contact information and program details for an online toolkit.
    • Nonprofit: Host the toolkit online and assist with maintenance of information.
    • SHPO: Provide up-to-date historic preservation standards and practices for the online-only toolkit.

Goal #2: Continue to strengthen efforts to identify, evaluate, and nominate archeological and historic resources.

  • Develop and update historic context information for use in identifying and evaluating archeological and historic resources.
    • Citizen: Suggest a survey at the annual SHPO Historic Preservation Fund meeting. (2021/2022)
    • Agency: Sponsor the development of a historic context. (ODOT/Route 66)
    • Nonprofit: Prepare local landmark designation for a building or site determined by the survey results.
    • SHPO: Coordinate with communities to complete surveys, especially for those under-recognized communities. (Scheduled 2021-2022)
  • Develop and conduct new surveys and update existing surveys to identify and nominate archeological and historic resources based on the results of SHPO’s public process for preparing its annual HPF application.
    • Citizen: Submit ideas for projects at the annual SHPO Historic Preservation Fund meeting. (2021/2022)
    • Agency: Conduct a specific theme-based survey in-house. (Okmulgee/Boley in-house; Route 66 update through ODOT)
    • Nonprofit: Cosponsor a survey.
    • SHPO: Develop and maintain mapping data of survey results. (Ongoing
  • Develop thematic surveys associated with under-recognized communities in Oklahoma, including, but not limited to, women, African Americans, American Indians, and the LGBTQ communities.
    • Citizen: Provide details of Rosenwald school locations to the SHPO.
    • Agency: Communicate with under-recognized communities to identify historic resources.
    • Nonprofit: Prepare local landmark designation for a known resource.
    • SHPO: Coordinate with under-recognized communities to complete a survey. (Scheduled 2021-2022)
  • Identify and nominate eligible archeological and historic resources to the National Register of Historic Places.
    • Citizen: Business writes a nomination to start the Historic Tax Incentives process for their building. (Scheduled 2020-2021)
    • Agency: Complete a comprehensive list of eligible properties located within their jurisdiction. (Ft.Sill)
    • Nonprofit: Write an application for NHL designation of a historic resource.
    • SHPO: Identify and prioritize areas of cities/regions based on imminence of threat to be surveyed/listed.
  • Designate historic districts and landmarks in accordance with local historic preservation ordinances.
    • Citizen: Read the local preservation ordinances and attend city council meetings.
    • Agency: Support the designation of properties at the local level.
    • Nonprofit: Write the application for local designation of a resource/district.
    • SHPO: Map all local historic districts with overlay zoning for ArcGIS. (In process, 2021)
  • Provide online access to information about archeological and historic resources for both professional and public use.
    • Citizen: Query online for nearby National Register and surveyed properties to become familiar with the area.
    • Agency: Oklahoma Archeological Survey provides access for professionals to mapping data for restricted archeological sites. (Scheduled 2021)
    • Nonprofit: Promote historic resources through “What is it, Wednesday?” style series.
    • SHPO: Provide surveys and survey data online through the Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory. (Ongoing)
  • Maintain online availability of mapping data for above-ground historic resources.
    • Citizen: Use online maps to locate historic properties.
    • Agency: Provide SHPO with GIS layers for properties under their purview. (UFS, Ft. Sill)
    • Nonprofit: Locate property by theme online (time period, architect, etc.).
    • SHPO: Create and maintain a map of all Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory resources.

Goal #3: Develop and disseminate strategies and incentives for historic preservation.

  • Continue to develop effective working relationships among federal, tribal, state, and local governments and the private sector for the protection of archeological and historic resources.
    • Agency: Lease office space in a historic property located in downtown.
    • Nonprofit: Present workshops on how to identify archeological sites.
    • SHPO: Work with state and federal agencies to develop plans for historic building preservation following natural disasters. (FEMA/OBU)
  • Encourage use of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation.
    • Citizen: Repaint historic home rather than using synthetic siding to serve as an example in the neighborhood.
    • Agency: Oklahoma Department of Transportation requests SHPO present a workshop for staff. (Other agencies)
    • Nonprofit: American Institute of Architects sponsors a workshop for members on rehabilitation standards.
    • SHPO: Develop case studies using Historic Tax Credit projects from Oklahoma. (2022/2023)
  • Make information about appropriate preservation techniques and technology widely available.
    • Citizen: Present information at a neighborhood association meeting about the restoration of their historic home conforming to the Secretary’s Standards. (Norman neighborhood)
    • Agency: Partner to host a historic preservation-themed workshop, such as wood window repair/restoration.
    • Nonprofit: Provide information on appropriate substitute materials in a written series for online or newsletter publication, such as Preservation Oklahoma News.
    • SHPO: Provide all National Park Service/Technical Preservation Services guidance on the SHPO website for download. (2021)
  • Provide information and guidance about the federal and state tax credits for rehabilitation of income-producing properties.
    • Citizen: Visit with state and local representatives to discuss the effects of tax credit projects.
    • Nonprofit: Host a before-and-after workshop on how to complete a tax credit project.
    • SHPO: Map all projects in Oklahoma with approved Part 2s and Part 3s. (Ongoing)
  • Provide training programs for preservation professionals, including workshops and webinars for contractors, tradespeople, and the non-professional citizen.
    • Citizen: Business presents a workshop entitled “My First-Time Tax Credit Project.”
    • Agency: Tribal government develops and presents a program concerning special issues associated with the identification, evaluation, and treatment of traditional cultural properties.
    • Nonprofit: Professional organizations (AIA, Realtors, Appraisers) coordinate with the SHPO to develop a continuing education series.
    • SHPO: Record biannual workshops and/or allow for teleconference/remote attendance. (2021/2022)
  • Disseminate information about why historic preservation is good for the environment.
    • Citizen: Save their home’s historic wood windows—repair not replace! (SHPO Staff Member)
    • Agency: Federal and state agencies maintain buildings to reduce energy loss.
    • Nonprofit: Provide statistics on their website about waste produced by demolition of historic properties.
    • SHPO: Create case studies using historic tax credit projects with a focus on how the process is good for the environment.
  • Establish a state grants program for preservation.
    • Citizen: Expresses support to an elected official for creation of a state grants program. (Stephanie Bice tour)
    • Agency: Establish cost estimates for rehabilitation to existing buildings and share with local officials and state legislators.
    • Nonprofit: Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. identifies pro-preservation legislators and encourages their support of legislation for a state grants program to aid preservation of historic county courthouses. (Stephanie Bice tour)
    • SHPO: Gather information about state grants programs across the country for use in designing an Oklahoma program.
  • Advocate for retention of current federal and state tax credit programs for appropriate rehabilitation of historic buildings.
    • Citizen: Patronize businesses that have utilized historic tax credits.
    • Agency: Hold a public meeting in a finished project space.
    • Nonprofit: Partner with the SHPO to prepare a historic preservation impact study.
    • SHPO: Provide statistics about federal tax credit projects for use by advocates.
  • Participate in the SHPO workshops about the process and standards for certified rehabilitations.
    • Citizen: Attend the workshop to learn more about how to use the standards for a property rehabilitation. (2021)
    • Agency: Provide an opportunity for continuing education units with attendance at a workshop sponsored by the agency.
    • Nonprofit: Promote the availability of continuing education units for workshops on calendar of events.
  • Encourage legislation to establish local financial incentives for commercial district, residential neighborhood, and rural landscape preservation efforts.
    • Citizen: Circulate petition to show support for creation of a local incentive program.
    • Agency: Local historic preservation commission assists in the drafting of eligibility criteria for the program. (Tulsa/Route 66)
    • Nonprofit: Local preservation group arranges a public meeting and invites public officials to explain proposed legislation.
    • SHPO: Provide statistics from other states on the effects of local financial incentives for commercial districts.
  • Recognize outstanding efforts to preserve archeological and historic resources through awards programs at the state and local levels.
    • Citizen: Nominate a person or project for a historic preservation award.
    • Agency: City government creates an awards program to recognize historic preservation efforts in their community. (OKC & Tulsa)
    • Nonprofit: Nominate a person, project, or organization for a National Trust for Historic Preservation award.
    • SHPO: Highlight the work of the preservation community through the continuation of the Citation of Merit Award and the Shirk Award for Historic Preservation. (Ongoing)
  • Promote designation of local historic districts and landmarks to protect their historic integrity and to improve and stabilize property values.
    • Citizen: Nominate a historic property for local designation.
    • Agency: Local historic preservation commission publishes its design guidelines and widely distributes them. (September 2020, Muskogee)
    • SHPO: Showcase and map tax rates in locally designated districts over several years.

Goal #4: Incorporate the consideration of archeological and historic resources in public (including all levels of government) and private sector planning and decision-making processes.

  • Enforce existing federal, state, and local laws and regulations for the protection of archeological and historic resources and provide technical assistance to agency officials and individuals responsible for compliance with those laws and regulations.
    • Agency: Oklahoma Archeological Survey assists a pipeline company to reroute construction to avoid a National Register-eligible archeological site.
    • Nonprofit: Create an online toolkit for historic preservation. (Scheduled 2021)
    • SHPO: SHPO and the Oklahoma Archeological Survey participate in the efforts of other government agencies to ensure appropriate consideration of archeological and historic resources in their respective long-range planning efforts.
  • Incorporate the preservation of historic districts and landmarks into local government planning efforts.
    • Citizen: Participate in area plan studies.
    • Agency: Draft design guidelines and distribute them to the local preservation commission.
    • Nonprofit: A local Main Street Program requests the city adopt a preservation zoning ordinance to support quality design in revitalization projects.
    • SHPO: Provide Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory and National Register data to local governments. (Ardmore)
  • Provide training for state and local officials responsible for enforcing laws and regulations that protect archeological and historic resources.
    • Agency: Host an annual Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP) to provide training for local historic preservation commission members and city staff. (2021)
    • Nonprofit: Oklahoma Chapter of the American Planning Association sponsors a workshop for city officials concerning local governments’ roles and responsibilities in the enforcement of historic preservation laws.
    • SHPO: Provide training on location to state and federal agencies about their Section 106 responsibilities. (2021/2022)
  • Encourage municipal governments to become Certified Local Governments.
    • Citizen: Volunteer to serve on a local historic preservation commission.
    • Agency: Apply to be a Certified Local Government. (Lawton)
    • Nonprofit: Promote establishment of local designation through ordinance required to participate as a Certified Local Government. (Lawton Art Council/Altus Main Street/Yukon Main Street)
    • SHPO: Provide a pro forma-style document showing what types of projects can be funded through Certified Local Governments funding.
  • Adapt historic buildings and structures for compatible new uses.
    • Citizen: A member of a county historical society convinces his neighbor to retain a historic building on his property for reuse as a gardening shed.
    • Agency: State Fire Marshal assists city officials to make modifications to a historic building proposed for use as a community center necessary for code compliance while respecting the building’s historic character. (Thomas, OK)
    • Nonprofit: Local Main Street Program convinces a new business to move into a vacant building in the historic commercial district rather than build a new facility. (Ardmore, Claremore, Yukon)
    • SHPO: Assist a property owner to complete the Historic Preservation Certification Application required to qualify for the 20 percent federal investment tax credit for rehabilitation. (Ongoing)
  • Strengthen neighborhood preservation initiatives.
    • Citizen: Perform routine maintenance on historic homes and outbuildings. (Overlay H.D.s)
    • Agency: Local government designates a neighborhood as a historic district under its historic preservation zoning ordinance.
    • Nonprofit: Neighborhood association sponsors an annual homes tour to build awareness about the significance of the neighborhood. (Heritage Hills/Gatewood)
    • SHPO: Work with city governments per the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s regulations to develop a Programmatic Agreement for its Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs that will be available to home owners in certain older neighborhoods. (Midwest City)
  • Increase consideration of historic landscapes in project planning at all levels of government.
    • Citizen: Avoid removal of a Depression-era shelter belt during the replacement of fencing around their farmland.
    • Agency: Encourage preservation easements on tribal cultural properties, archeological sites, and landscapes.
    • Nonprofit: Land Legacy accepts an easement for protection of historic farmland.
    • SHPO: Nominate Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-built features of a state park to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Increase the awareness of economic impacts of historic preservation in Oklahoma through an updated economic impact study.
    • Citizen: Donate to a nonprofit sponsoring a historic preservation economic impact study.
    • Agency: Provide local tax data for properties to those conducting a historic preservation economic impact study.
    • Nonprofit: Sponsor a historic preservation economic impact study.
    • SHPO: Provide partial funding for a historic preservation economic impact study.
  • Develop and maintain state and local mechanisms for protection of significant archeological and historic resources following natural or man-made disasters.
    • Citizen: Interact with Oklahoma Emergency Management system, identifying natural disaster areas.
    • Agency: Oklahoma Emergency Management promotes programs and applications available for assistance. (Ongoing)
    • Nonprofit: American Institute of Architects present a workshop on best practices.
    • SHPO: Create a phone app for guidance to protect a historic resource following a natural disaster.
  • Collect and publicize data about adverse impacts of regulated construction/development activities, including, but not limited to, wind farms, transmission lines, and pipelines, on archeological and historic resources.
    • Citizen: Contact media and legislators about the loss of important history on property, such as the Chisholm Trail.
    • Agency: Be proactive in data collection regarding historic sites and buildings in project areas.
    • Nonprofit: Contact media about resources lost due to adverse effects. (Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.)
    • SHPO: Map federal projects with adverse effect determinations.
Last updated 1/29/2024