New Mexico Historic Preservation Division

The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division identifies and protects New Mexico's cultural resources, including its archaeological sites, architectural and engineering achievements, cultural landscapes and diverse heritage. We help communities identify, evaluate, preserve, and revitalize their historic, archaeological, and cultural resources. Preservation happens locally. It is site specific—your building, your block, your town, your landscape. It is built on partnerships. Our website provides easy access to the information you need to help preserve New Mexico's diverse cultural heritage, encourage community revitalization through re-use of existing buildings and enhance heritage tourism opportunities. The mission of the Historic Preservation Division is to protect, preserve and interpret the unique character of New Mexico by identifying, documenting (recording), evaluating and registering prehistoric and historic properties throughout New Mexico; - by coordinating historic preservation activities at all levels of government in New Mexico and with individuals, private organizations, and traditional communities; - by educating the public about historic preservation; and - by protecting and preserving significant historic and prehistoric sites throughout the State. The mission is based on a philosophy of preservation, conservation, and beneficial use of historic and prehistoric sites. The duties of the HPD are to: - Maintain records of identified historic and prehistoric sites and make those records available for research, education, and planning for future development. - Work with property owners and interested citizens to nominate historic sites and districts to the National Register of Historic Places and the state - Register of Cultural Properties so that the historic significance of these places can be recognized, so that they will be considered in planning for development, and so that their owners will be eligible for preservation incentives. - Administer state and federal rehabilitation tax credit programs, a low-interest revolving loan fund, and state and federal grant programs, all designed to provide incentives for communities and private owners to preserve their historic sites and districts. - Provide information and technical assistance to agencies, local governments, and private owners to aid them in preserving, restoring, stabilizing, and effectively reusing historic properties. - Develop education and outreach programs to inform the public about the value of preserving the past and to enlist their support for heritage preservation. - Administer state and federal laws that provide protection for historic and prehistoric properties. - Assist local governments in developing effective preservation ordinances and plans.