Site protection
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the Kansas Historical Society is tasked with many responsibilities toward the goal of protecting the significant historic and cultural resources of Kansas. SHPO staff routinely review proposed projects under both federal and state preservation laws to determine if the project will harm any historic property or archeological site. These reviews number approximately 3,000 per year. The links below provide further information on these laws and the review process undertaken by SHPO staff to ensure the protection of our state’s significant resources.
Kansas State Preservation Law
The objective of the Kansas State Preservation Law is to provide a process of review for projects undertaken by state and local governments. This review to determine any effects projects may have on historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Places is outlined in Kansas statute K.S.A. 75-2724 and in associated regulations.
To submit project information to SHPO for review under the Kansas state preservation law, please click the “Submit Your Project” button at left.
Federal Preservation Law
The objective of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is to provide a process of review for projects undertaken by agencies of the federal government. This includes projects receiving funding from those agencies. SHPO reviewers seek to identify properties listed in or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and then determine the effect each project will have on any historic properties identified.
To submit project information to SHPO for review under Section 106, please click the “Submit Your Project” button at left.
Antiquities Law
Language found in the Kansas Antiquities Act recognizes the need to conserve significant archeological remains in the state and establishes the Kansas Antiquities Commission. Click the link above for further information on how to contact the Commission and obtain permits under the Act.
Unmarked Burial Law
The Unmarked Burial Sites Preservation Act protects unmarked burials in Kansas and any related human remains and associated objects. Click the link above for further information on the Act. If you find human remains, please contact the local law enforcement agency first.