In the past 25 years historic preservation has become a popular and rewarding activity throughout America. Merchants have brought traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial centers back to life. Homeowners have reclaimed their neighborhoods by preserving their houses and open spaces. Communities have discovered the appeal their historic buildings hold for tourists and citizens. Local Governments have supported preservation by creating historic districts and design review ordinances.
Many of our nation's historic resources are located in low income neighborhoods in inner cities and small towns across America. Unfortunately, low-income residents frequently are displaced when their homes deteriorate or are demolished or when their neighborhoods become the targets of outside investment. Because of the concern that historic preservation may displace low-income residents, many neighborhood organizations have not identified loosely with the preservation movement. Low-income neighborhoods often are reluctant to seek formal designation as historic districts for fear of increasing property values and taxes and displacing low-and -moderate-income residents.
The National Register of Historic Places' standards for evaluating the significance of properties were developed to recognize the accomplishments of all peoples who have made a contribution to our country's history and heritage. They are: