Obsolete Document included for historical purposes

Draft--Historic Preservation Professional Qualifications Standards

H32(413)

Dear Colleague:

I would like to invite you to share with us your views on the enclosed proposed draft revision of the Secretary of the Interior's "Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards." Many of you have already given us your thoughts, and I thank you for your valuable insights. If you have not yet been involved, I welcome you to our continuing discussions on this important subject.

This proposed draft revision is our best synthesis at this time of diverse comments raised during discussions with State Historic Preservation Offices, the federal Office of Personnel Management, federal agency historic preservation staff, Tribal cultural preservationists, local government historic preservation programs, professional societies, historic preservation academic programs, and other interested parties. We recognize that this draft does not reflect all views and opinions on the subject, and we want to broaden our discussions of issues and solutions by inviting a wider range of organizations and individuals to get involved. As always, we are most interested in your views, and we encourage you to discuss the proposed draft with your historic preservation colleagues.

The proposed revisions to the Standards are on white paper in the enclosed material. Highlights of key features of the proposed revisions are shown on the colored pages.

Please provide your comments by February 15, 1995 to the Preservation Planning Branch, Attention: Susan L. Henry, Interagency Resources Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, D.C. 20013-7127. Comments may also be sent by fax (202-343-1836) or Internet (sue_henry@nps.gov). If you have any questions, please contact Sue Henry at (202) 343-9514.

Sincerely,

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY

A GRADUATE DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY)

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

OR

A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY)

PLUS

AT LEAST THREE YEARS OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

Areas of study closely related to Architectural History include, but are not limited to, Art History and Historic Preservation.

Demonstrable experience in applying the methods and practices of Architectural History in the historic preservation arena includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings related to the history of architecture, historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
2. Teaching the history of architecture, material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
3. Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on and relating to the history of architecture, historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
4. Field work that emphasizes the identification and evaluation of architecture, material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

ARCHITECTURE

A PROFESSIONAL DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURE

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

OR

A STATE LICENSE TO PRACTICE ARCHITECTURE

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

Demonstrable experience in applying the methods and practices of Architecture in the historic preservation arena includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings related to the practices or theory of architecture in the United States (and its Territories) and its relationship to historic preservation concerns including, but not limited to, design compatibility, historic retrofit, adaptive reuse, and material conservation; OR,
2. Teaching the practices or theory of architecture as it relates to historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
3. Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on the relationship between historic architecture of the United States (and its Territories) and historic preservation; OR,
4. Field work that emphasizes the treatment, conservation, or documentation of architecture, material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

CONSERVATION

A GRADUATE DEGREE IN CONSERVATION (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY)

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF CONSERVATION IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

Areas of study closely related to Conservation include, but are not limited to, Art Conservation, Architectural Conservation, Textiles Conservation, and Object Conservation.

Demonstrable experience in applying the methods and practices of Conservation in the historic preservation arena includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings on the theory or practices of conservation of material culture significant to the history or prehistory of the United States and its Territories; OR,
2. Teaching the theory or practices of Conservation of material culture significant to the history or prehistory of the United States and its Territories; OR,
3. Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with direct experience in the conservation of material culture significant to the history or prehistory of the United States and its Territories; OR,
4. Field or laboratory work in Conservation that emphasizes the treatment or documentation of historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic or prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

A GRADUATE DEGREE IN ANTHROPOLOGY (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY) WITH SPECIALIZATION IN CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY)

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

Areas of study closely related to (Cultural) Anthropology include, but are not limited to, Ethnography, Ethnohistory, Folklife, Ethnobotany, Ethnozoology, Ethnoarchaeology, Cultural Geography, Sociology, Social Anthropology, and Oral History.

Demonstrable experience in applying the methods and practices of Cultural Anthropology in the historic preservation arena includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings on the theory or practices of Cultural Anthropology as it relates to historic preservation, historic or prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the historic or prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
2. Teaching the theory or practices of Cultural Anthropology as it relates to historic preservation, historic or prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the prehistoric or historic built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
3. Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on the Cultural Anthropology of the United States and its Territories; OR,
4. Field work in Cultural Anthropology that emphasizes the identification, evaluation, treatment, or documentation of historic or prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the prehistoric or historic built environment of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

CURATION

A GRADUATE DEGREE IN MUSEUM STUDIES OR A GRADUATE DEGREE IN A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN MUSEUM STUDIES

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF CURATION IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

Demonstrable experience in applying the methods and practices of Curation in the historic preservation arena includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings on the theory or practices of curation of material culture significant to the history or prehistory of the United States and its Territories; OR,
2. Teaching the theory or practices of curation of material culture significant to the history or prehistory of the United States and its Territories; OR,
3. Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with direct experience in the curation of material culture significant to the history or prehistory of the United States and its Territories; OR,
4. Field or laboratory work in curation that emphasizes the treatment or documentation of historic or prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the historic or prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

FOLKLORE

A GRADUATE DEGREE IN FOLKLORE (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY)

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF FOLKLORE IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

Areas of study closely related to Folklore include, but are not limited to, Folklife, Folklife Studies, English, Cultural Anthropology, Ethnography, Ethnohistory, Ethnobotany, Ethnozoology, Ethnoarchaeology, Cultural Geography, Sociology, Oral History, and Ethnomusicology.

Demonstrable experience in applying the methods and practices of Folklore in the historic preservation arena includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings in Folklore relating to historic or prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the historic or prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
2. Teaching Folklore as it relates to historic or prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the historic or prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
3. Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on Folklore studies of the United States (and its Territories) and its relationship to historic preservation; OR,
4. Field work that identifies, evaluates, or documents the historic or prehistoric folkculture or lifeways of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

A GRADUATE DEGREE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY)

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION, OR TREATMENT OF HISTORIC OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

OR

A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY)

PLUS

AT LEAST THREE YEARS OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION, OR TREATMENT OF HISTORIC OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Areas of study closely related to Historic Preservation include, but are not limited to, Environmental Studies, American Civilization, Architectural History, Public Administration, Law, Planning, History, Anthropology, Humanities, and Cultural Geography.

Demonstrable experience in applying the methods and practices of historic preservation in the identification, evaluation, or treatment of historic or archaeological resources includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings in Historic Preservation relating to historic or prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the historic or prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
2. Teaching Historic Preservation as it relates to historic or prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the historic or prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
3. Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on historic preservation in the United States (and its Territories) and its relationship the identification, evaluation, or treatment of historic or archaeological resources; OR,
4. Field work that identifies, evaluates, or protects the historic or prehistoric material resources of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY

A GRADUATE DEGREE IN ANTHROPOLOGY WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY, ARCHAEOLOGY WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY, OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY

PLUS

THE MINIMUM DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE DESCRIBED BELOW

Areas of study closely related to Historical Archaeology include, but are not limited to, Prehistoric Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology.

THE MINIMUM REQUIRED EXPERIENCE FOR HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY IS:

1. AT LEAST FOUR MONTHS OF DEMONSTRABLE, SUPERVISED FIELD AND ANALYTIC EXPERIENCE WITH HISTORIC-PERIOD ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF THE UNITED STATES AND ITS TERRITORIES; AND,
2. AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF FULL-TIME DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE (OR EQUIVALENT SPECIALIZED TRAINING) AT A SUPERVISORY LEVEL IN HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH, ADMINISTRATION, OR MANAGEMENT, including,
   
   (a) Teaching historical archaeology with an emphasis on and related to historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
   
   (b) Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on and related to historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories; AND,
3. DEMONSTRATED ABILITY TO CARRY RESEARCH TO COMPLETION, including scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings in historical archaeology relating to the historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

HISTORY

A GRADUATE DEGREE IN HISTORY (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY)

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF HISTORY IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

OR

A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN HISTORY (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY)

PLUS

AT LEAST THREE YEARS OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF HISTORY IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

Areas of study closely related to History include, but are not limited to, American Studies, American Civilization, Historic Preservation, and Humanities.

Demonstrable experience in applying the methods and practices of History in the historic preservation arena includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings related to the historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
2. Teaching History with an emphasis on and relating to historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
3. Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with direct experience in History relating to historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
4. Field work in History that emphasizes the identification and evaluation of material culture, historic properties, or the historic built environment of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

A PROFESSIONAL DEGREE IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

OR

A STATE LICENSE TO PRACTICE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE
EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS
AND PRACTICES OF LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

Demonstrable experience in applying the methods and practices of Landscape Architecture in the historic preservation arena includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings related to the practices or theory of Landscape Architecture in the United States (and its Territories) and its relationship to historic preservation; OR,
2. Teaching the practices or theory of Landscape Architecture as it relates to historic preservation, historic or prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the historic or prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
3. Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on the relationship between historic or prehistoric landscapes of the United States (and its Territories) and historic preservation; OR,
4. Field work that emphasizes the treatment or documentation of historic or prehistoric landscapes, ethnographic landscapes, historic or prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the historic or prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

LAND USE/COMMUNITY PLANNING

A GRADUATE DEGREE IN PLANNING (OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY)

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING THE METHODS AND PRACTICES OF LAND USE/COMMUNITY PLANNING IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

Areas of study closely related to Land Use/Community Planning include, but are not limited to, Regional Planning, Urban Planning, City Planning, Transportation Planning, Community Planning, and Recreation Planning.

Demonstrable experience in applying the methods and practices of Land Use/Community Planning in the historic preservation arena includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writing on the practices or theory of Land Use/Community Planning in the United States (and its Territories) and its relationship to historic preservation issues; OR,
2. Teaching the theory or practices of Land Use/Community Planning in the United States (and its Territories) as it relates to historic preservation; OR,
3. Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on and relating Land Use/Community Planning to prehistoric or historic material culture, historic properties, or the historic or prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
4. Professional work in the preparation or implementation of Land Use/Community plans that relate to historic preservation, including application of Land Use/Community Planning principles and practices to historic preservation issues of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY

A GRADUATE DEGREE IN ANTHROPOLOGY WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY, ARCHAEOLOGY WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY, OR A CLOSELY RELATED AREA OF STUDY

PLUS

THE MINIMUM DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE DESCRIBED BELOW

Areas of study closely related to Prehistoric Archaeology include, but are not limited to, Historical Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology.

THE MINIMUM REQUIRED EXPERIENCE FOR PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY IS:

1. AT LEAST FOUR MONTHS OF DEMONSTRABLE, SUPERVISED FIELD AND ANALYTIC EXPERIENCE WITH PREHISTORIC-PERIOD ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF THE UNITED STATES AND ITS TERRITORIES; AND,
2. AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF FULL-TIME DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE (OR EQUIVALENT SPECIALIZED TRAINING) AT A SUPERVISORY LEVEL IN PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH, ADMINISTRATION, OR MANAGEMENT, including,
   
   (a) Teaching prehistoric archaeology with an emphasis on and related to prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories; OR,
   
   (b) Administrative, project review, or supervisory experience in an historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm, or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on and related to prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories; AND,
3. DEMONSTRATED ABILITY TO CARRY RESEARCH TO COMPLETION, including scholarly research, publications, papers, or similar research and writings in Prehistoric Archaeology relating to the prehistoric material culture, historic properties, or the prehistoric built environment of the United States and its Territories.

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

TRADITIONAL CULTURAL PROPERTY EXPERTISE

A COMMUNITY-RECOGNIZED TRADITIONAL CULTURAL AUTHORITY WHO CAN SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY WITH REGARD TO HISTORIC PROPERTIES

OR

COMMUNITY-RECOGNIZED PERMISSION TO CONSULT WITH A TRADITIONAL CULTURAL AUTHORITY AND TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THAT AUTHORITY

PLUS

AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING INFORMATION CONCERNING TRADITIONAL CULTURAL PROPERTIES IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARENA

Demonstrable experience in applying the expertise/knowledge of traditional cultural resources in the historic preservation arena includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Study with traditional cultural authorities concerning community traditions associated with traditional cultural properties of the United States and its Territories; OR,
2. Teaching or passing on community traditions that relate to traditional cultural properties of the United States and its Territories; OR,
3. Administering or working in a program on behalf of a traditional community that identifies, evaluates, documents and protects traditional cultural properties in the United States and its Territories; OR,
4. Fieldwork on behalf of the community to identify, evaluate, document, and protect traditional cultural properties in the United States and its Territories.

BACKGROUND

WHAT ARE THE SECRETARY'S "PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS?"

The Secretary of the Interior is charged with developing standards and guidance for the practice of historic preservation under the National Historic Preservation Act. The Secretary has delegated this responsibility to the National Park Service. The "Professional Qualification Standards" are one part of the Secretary's "Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation."

The protection and preservation of this nation's significant historic and cultural properties depends upon the participation of all our citizens. However, certain decisions affecting these properties need to be made by individuals meeting nationally recognized credentials in order to secure the credibility of historic preservation within the larger public arena at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as in the private sector.

The Secretary of the Interior's "Professional Qualification Standards" describe in terms of academic attainment, training, and experience minimum professional standards for a number of professional disciplines routinely practicing in historic preservation today. These Standards are neither "entry-level" nor do they describe qualifications for pre-eminent master professionals in the field. Rather, they describe the minimum education and experience which, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Interior, qualifies select individuals to produce professionally credible and competent work within both the historic preservation arena and in the larger public arena nationwide.

PLEASE NOTE: THESE STANDARDS ARE ADVISORY.

THEY ARE NOT REQUIREMENTS FOR PRACTICING HISTORIC PRESERVATION EXCEPT WHERE THEY ARE MADE REQUIREMENTS BY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS OR PROCEDURES, OR BY PRIVATE ORGANIZATION PERSONNEL RULES. (For more information, see the last page in this package, "Proposed Revisions, Uses of the Standards.")

WHY ARE THE STANDARDS BEING REVISED?

The practice of historic preservation has evolved and matured since the Standards were first established in the 1970s, and it is appropriate to up-date them. In addition, Congress amended the National Historic Preservation Act in 1992, calling for the revision of the existing professional qualifications standards and the establishment of standards for additional disciplines.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE REVISION PROJECT?

• In keeping with Vice President Al Gore's "Reinventing Government," to provide States and local governments with the flexibility to respond to their needs by expanding board and commission expertise from among the broad spectrum of professional disciplines working in historic preservation.
• To up-date and expand the Secretary's "Professional Qualification Standards" within the context of contemporary historic preservation thinking and practice.
• To relate the "Professional Qualification Standards" specifically to work in historic preservation.
• To strengthen the credibility of work in historic preservation as it is viewed by professionals not only in each discipline, but also by others working in and associated with historic preservation.
• To provide guidance on recognizing appropriate skills and experience necessary for credible historic preservation work.

HOW ARE THE STANDARDS BEING REVISED?

The materials in this package represent one step in the continuing, lengthy revision process that will eventually result in an official notice in the Federal Register requesting comments, followed by subsequent revision and publication of the final version of the Standards. You will have several opportunities to participate in refining these draft Standards.

The National Park Service has spoken with a number of relevant professional societies, the Office of Personnel Management and other federal agencies, the Federal Preservation Forum, the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, several State Historic Preservation Offices, local government historic preservation programs, American Indian Tribes, and the National Council on Preservation Education to identify issues. These discussions formed the basis for an initial draft revision of the Standards. We circulated this early draft to those we had spoken with, and asked for their feedback.

The proposed draft revision in this package is the result of that feedback. We recognize that this current draft does not represent all possible views on the subject. Therefore, we are now sending this out to a much wider range of groups and organizations for additional input. It is important that the views and opinions of those of you who have an interest in this subject are reflected in the final product. We encourage you to review these materials, talk with your colleagues in historic preservation, and share with us your views and opinions. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Sue Henry by phone (202-343-9514), by fax (202- 343-1836), via Internet (sue_henry@nps.gov), or in writing to Ms. Henry at the Preservation Planning Branch, Interagency Resources Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, D.C. 20013-7127

CURRENT LANGUAGE

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S "PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS"

(These current Standards are found in 36 CFR 61 Appendix A and in the Secretary of the Interior's "Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation" in Federal Register v.48 n.190 Part IV p.44738-44739, September 30, 1983.)

HISTORY

The minimum professional qualifications in history are a graduate degree in history or closely related field; or a bachelor's degree in history or closely related field plus one of the following:

1. At least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation or other demonstrable professional activity with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or,
2. Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of history.

ARCHEOLOGY

The minimum professional qualifications in archeology are a graduate degree in archeology, anthropology, or closely related field plus:

1. At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archeological research, administration or management;
2. At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archeology; and,
3. Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion. In addition to these minimum qualifications, a professional in prehistoric archeology shall have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archeological resources of the prehistoric period. A professional in historic archeology shall have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archeological resources of the historic period.

ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY

The minimum professional qualifications in architectural history are a graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history; or a bachelor's degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field plus one of the following:

1. At least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or,
2. Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of American architectural history.

ARCHITECTURE

The minimum professional qualifications in architecture are a professional degree in architecture plus at least two years of full-time professional experience in architecture; or a State license to practice architecture.

HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE

The minimum professional qualifications in historic architecture are a professional degree in architecture or a State license to practice architecture, plus one of the following:

1. At least one year of graduate study in architectural preservation, American architectural history, preservation planning, or closely related field; or,
2. At least one year of full-time professional experience on historic preservation projects. Such graduate study or experience shall include detailed investigations of historic structures, preparation of historic structures research reports, and preparation of plans and specifications for preservation projects.

PROPOSED REVISION SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS
THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

DISCIPLINES

CURRENT

Archeology (Prehistoric & Historic)

Architectural History

Architecture

Historic Architecture

History

PROPOSED

Archaeology is split in two:

Prehistoric Archaeology

Historical Archaeology

Architectural History

Architecture

Historic Architecture is dropped*

History

Disciplines added:

Conservation

Cultural Anthropology

Curation

Folklore

Historic Preservation

Land Use/Community Planning

Landscape Architecture

Traditional Cultural Property Expertise

* Historic Architecture has been dropped because the need in the current standards for a discipline that combines the expertise of architecture and historic preservation is met in the proposed Standards by requiring historic preservation in the experience category.

EDUCATION:

CURRENT

In general:

• a graduate degree in the discipline

PROPOSED

In general:

• a graduate degree in the discipline
• PLUS additional experience.

EXPERIENCE:

CURRENT

• NONE with a graduate degree (except archeology).
• Where an undergraduate degree is an option, one to two years additional experience in research, scholarship, or similar pursuits at a university, museum, or history-related organization.

PROPOSED

In general:

• one year of demonstrable experience in historic preservation by:
  1. Scholarly research and publications; or
  2. Teaching; or
  3. Administration, project review, or supervision in an historic preservation program or office; or
  4. Field work.

Experience must have focused on the historic/prehistoric places or material culture of the United States and its Territories.

PROPOSED REVISIONS SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS USES OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S "PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS"

THERE IS NO CHANGE:

The Secretary's "Professional Qualification Standards" are still intended to provide advice about minimum education and experience needed to produce professionally credible and competent work in historic preservation. The Standards are neither "entry-level" nor do they describe qualifications for pre-eminent master professionals in the field. Users of these Standards are free to enhance them with additional educational and experience qualifications that may be needed in certain situations.

These Standards are broadly used throughout the national historic preservation program by federal agencies, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, State Historic Preservation Offices, Certified Local Governments, and others. For example:

Agreements made under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act routinely call for the Standards to be used in designing contracts, scopes of work, employee position descriptions, and components of federal agency preservation plans.

The Standards are used by local governments in establishing professional qualifications for preservation employees and contractors in determining the adequacy of project proposals by preservation groups, architect and engineering firms, and others.

The use of the Standards is required in State Historic Preservation Office programs through federal regulation (36 CFR 61; see reverse of this page).

The Standards are routinely used by federal agencies, programs, and installations in developing and carrying out historic preservation programs.

The Standards DO NOT dictate who can prepare National Register nominations.

The Standards DO NOT dictate who can be hired (with the few exceptions noted above).

The Standards DO NOT represent minimum qualifications for entry-level positions.

The Standards DO NOT dictate Federal agency hiring practices UNLESS other Federal regulations and/or agency policies and procedures require the use of these Standards.

PROPOSED REVISIONS TO FEDERAL REGULATIONS (36 CFR 61) FOR STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE PROGRAMS IN RESPONSE TO PROPOSED REVISION OF THE STANDARDS

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE STAFF

THERE IS NO CHANGE. SHPO Offices are still required to have a minimum of three full- time professional disciplines on staff: one Historian, one Architectural Historian, and one Archaeologist (either Historical or Prehistoric).

STATE REVIEW BOARD MEMBERSHIP

PROPOSED CHANGES:

• FOUR (instead of five) professional disciplines are required to be represented on the Board: (1) Archaeologist, (2) Architectural Historian, (3) Architect, and (4) Historian.
• The Archaeologist may be EITHER an Historical Archaeologist OR a Prehistoric Archaeologist.
• The current requirement that the majority of Board members be "professionals" as defined by the Standards can now be met from among the 13 proposed disciplines.

CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP

THERE IS NO CHANGE. Professional disciplines are required on Commissions only to the degree that they are available in the community. States and local governments continue to have the flexibility to impose stricter requirements, if they choose.

"GRANDFATHER" PROVISIONS

State Historic Preservation Office staff and members of State Review Boards and Certified Local Government Review Commissions who meet the current standards will continue to meet the revised Standards as long as they hold their current positions.

WORK FUNDED BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND

THERE IS NO CHANGE. It is still required that work funded by the Historic Preservation Fund or matching share must meet the relevant Secretary of the Interior's "Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation." It is still required that this work must be carried out, supervised, or reviewed by professionals meeting the Secretary's "Professional Qualification Standards."

NOTE: We have also prepared draft language for revising the text of 36 CFR 61. If having a copy of this would help you review the enclosed materials, you can get a copy by contacting the Preservation Planning Branch at the address provided earlier in these materials.