Historic Preservation Planning
Preservation planning documents can take many different forms including a statewide plan, local preservation plan, resource specific planning, reuse study, disaster preparedness, and historic structures reports.
Statewide Historic Preservation Plan
Saving our Past: Planning for Our Future, Alaska's historic preservation plan for 2018-2023, is intended to guide preservation activities in the state. Seven goals were established in the plan that included: increase knowledge and understanding of the state's heritage and historic preservation in Alaska; identify new and strengthen current partnerships; identify, document and designate Alaska's cultural resources; preserve and protect Alaska's cultural resources; increase awareness of the environmental, social, and economic benefits of historic preservation; strengthen local preservation; and strengthen and expand financial incentive programs.
Local Government Historic Preservation Plans
To make effective use of historic resources and to understand their value, it is necessary to integrate historic preservation into community planning. A number of Alaska's local governments have historic preservation plans. Preservation plans can help local governments, neighborhoods, and site managers develop appropriate planning tools and are most effective when they are a component of a community's master plan and are coordinated with other policies for housing, economic development, transportation, etc. Find out more information on local government historic preservation plans here.
Historic Resource Survey
Conducting historic resource surveys is integral to historic preservation planning. Survey data can be used to construct a preservation plan that helps the community identify the historic, cultural, aesthetic, and visual relationships that unify and define its neighborhoods, and to establish policies, procedures, and strategies for maintaining, protecting, and enhancing their resources. This can lead to an increased understanding and awareness of historic resources by officials and citizens within the community and an increase commitment to preserving them.
Please review our publication Alaska Historic Buildings Survey and Style Guide for more information on how to conduct a historic building survey in your community.
Other Preservation Planning Resources
The Office of History and Archaeology has conducted preservation planning, and participates in plan implementation, at various historical parks such as Fort Abercrombie, Fort Rousseau Causeway, Old Sitka and Castle Hill and archaeologically significant areas throughout Alaska. Additionally, OHA coordinates with other state and federal agencies to ensure historic properties are adequately considered in emergency response situation such as oil spills. Find out more information on other preservation planning resources and activities in Alaska here.
Mission Statement
"The Alaska Office of History and Archaeology (OHA) and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) provide programs to encourage the preservation and protection of the archaeological, historic, and architectural resources of Alaska."
