NH Division of Historical Resources – Concord, NH

New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources

Preserving the Granite State’s Heritage

The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources (DHR), located on Pembroke Road in Concord, serves as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Established in 1974 to implement the National Historic Preservation Act, the agency is dedicated to identifying, protecting, and celebrating New Hampshire’s cultural resources. As a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the DHR oversees the state’s inventory of historic properties, ranging from colonial farmsteads to industrial mills. The office is the primary liaison for federal preservation programs, managing nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places.

• Project Review and Compliance: Administers the ‘Section 106’ review process to ensure that federally funded or permitted projects do not adversely affect historic properties.
• Archaeology: Operates the State Conservation and Rescue Archaeology Program (SCRAP) and maintains the central repository for archaeological records.
• Grants and Incentives: Manages the Conservation License Plate (Moose Plate) grant program and federal tax incentives for the rehabilitation of historic buildings.
• Historical Highway Markers: Oversees the popular roadside marker program that educates the public about significant people, places, and events in state history.

Research and Public Access

The DHR maintains an extensive archive of architectural and archaeological files, which are available to consultants, researchers, and the public. To facilitate access, the division has launched EMMIT (Enhanced Mapping and Management Information Tool), an online GIS-based platform for viewing historic resource data. While the office welcomes researchers, access to physical files is typically by appointment to ensure staff availability. The division provides technical assistance to property owners, local heritage commissions, and developers, fostering a stewardship ethic that recognizes historic preservation as a key driver of community vitality and economic development.