The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) encourages the preservation, documentation, and use of cultural resources. Idaho SHPO educates the public about the importance of Idaho’s cultural heritage. Idaho’s historic, archaeological, and cultural resources represent the physical and tangible manifestations of our history; they reflect who we were, where we came from, where we are now, and help shape our outlook for the future. By protecting, preserving, and understanding these important resources, we span the past, the present, and the future, not as separate events or periods, but as an on-going narrative. These resources provide economic, educational, and intrinsic value today and for future generations. The Idaho SHPO works to ensure the state’s historic and archaeological properties are preserved, interpreted, and reused.
The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office is staffed with historic preservation professionals who meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards. These Professional Qualification Standards set out the minimum education and experience needed to be considered a historic preservation professional. More information on the Secretary of the Interior’s Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards is available from the National Park Service. By employing individuals who meet these qualifications, the Idaho SHPO has ensured that its staff have the expertise to carry out its federally mandated responsibilities.
HOURS
Monday-Friday | 8 am-5 pm
Closed State holidays
LOCATION
210 Main St.
Boise, ID 83702
CONTACT US
(208) 334-3861
The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has been in the process of developing an Idaho Cultural Information System (ICRIS). The ICRIS will be a GIS enabled application which will provide internal SHPO workflow management tools resulting in efficiencies which will decrease turn-around times for federal project review.
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the official national list of properties considered important in our past and worthy of preservation.
The National Historic Preservation Act requires all federal agencies to consider what effects their actions may have on historic properties, including archaeological sites and the built environment.
One of the functions of the Idaho SHPO is to maintain the state inventory of archaeological and historic sites. The inventory is comprised of sites identified through survey efforts of Federal and State agencies and Idaho cities and counties. Approximately 51,000 archaeological sites and 33,000 architectural and historical properties have been recorded.
An important federal program for encouraging private investment in historic buildings involves the tax incentives available for some owners and developers. For certain qualifying projects, the owner may claim 20% of their rehabilitation project costs as investment tax credits that can be applied to their federal income tax.
Certified Local Government (CLG) communities are those that shown a commitment to historic preservation. They have done this by adopting a local ordinance and creating a historic preservation commission. The program is a dynamic partnership between local governments, the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and the National Park Service (NPS).
Frequently asked questions related to National Register of Historic Places, Section 106 Reviews, and Certified Local Government Programs (CLGs).
To view a complete list of available map resources, please visit ArcGIS Online.
Map of Idaho Certified Local Governments
For more information visit Idaho CLGs
Map of National Register of Historic Places in Idaho
For more information visit Idaho National Register
In fulfillment of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the board serves in an advisory role to the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in matters regarding Historic Preservation programs and policy. The key duties of the board include: review of National Register of Historic Places nominations for accuracy and adequacy; review and comment about the state’s comprehensive statewide historic preservation plan and the state’s annual historic preservation fund grant program; and general advice and guidance to the State Historic Preservation Officer as needed. At least one member must be professionally qualified in each of the following disciplines: archaeology, architectural history, and history. For more information, please contact our National Register Coordinator at (208) 488-7468.
For more information on the board and upcoming meetings, please visit the Idaho Historic Sites Review Board page.
The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has been in the process of developing an Idaho Cultural Information System (ICRIS). The ICRIS will be a GIS enabled application which will provide internal SHPO workflow management tools resulting in efficiencies which will decrease turn-around times for federal project review. Additionally, it will be a portal through which external stakeholders can view all SHPO data via a GIS, and create, upload, and track projects. The ICRIS is scheduled to go-live in late 2023.
Idaho Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month
Each year the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office organizes and promotes statewide opportunities for the public to learn about Idaho archaeology, history, and historic preservation.
SHPO FAQs
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) staff are happy to help with questions. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page or contact us.