New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Cul-H - Division of Historical Resources
What is the Division of Historical Resources?
The Division of Historical Resources is a part of New Hampshire’s state government responsible for the preservation, protection, and promotion of the state’s historical and cultural heritage. It oversees historic sites, archaeological resources, historic preservation programs, and maintains records relating to New Hampshire’s history.
Overview of "Cul-H" Rules
The “Cul-H” section of the administrative rules governs how the Division of Historical Resources operates, what standards it sets for historic preservation, and how it interacts with individuals, organizations, and government agencies involved in historical and archaeological activities.
Key Components of the Cul-H Rules
1. Purpose and Authority
These rules are established under state laws that empower the Division to protect and preserve New Hampshire’s cultural resources.
The purpose is to ensure a consistent, effective approach to managing historical and archaeological resources across the state.
2. Definitions
The rules define key terms used in historic preservation and archaeology, such as:
Historic Property: Buildings, structures, sites, or objects of historical significance.
Archaeological Site: Places where physical evidence of past human activity exists.
Preservation: Activities aimed at protecting and maintaining historical integrity.
3. Historic Preservation Programs
The Division administers various programs to identify, evaluate, and protect historic properties.
These include:
The State Register of Historic Places, which lists properties recognized for their historical importance.
Guidelines for owners of historic properties on how to maintain or restore their properties in ways that preserve historic value.
Review and approval of changes to historic properties, especially when state or federal funds are involved.
4. Archaeological Resource Protection
The rules set standards for identifying and protecting archaeological sites.
They require permits for any archaeological investigation or excavation on state-owned lands or projects funded or permitted by the state.
Guidelines for responsible conduct in archaeological research, including documentation and reporting requirements.
5. Review of State and Federal Projects
The Division reviews state and federally funded or permitted projects to assess their impact on historic and archaeological resources.
This process is often referred to as Section 106 review (from the National Historic Preservation Act).
The rules set procedures for consultation with stakeholders, including property owners, local governments, tribes, and others.
6. Grants and Funding
The Division administers grant programs to support historic preservation activities.
The rules outline:
Eligibility criteria for grant applicants.
Application procedures.
Requirements for grant recipients, including reporting and compliance with preservation standards.
7. Public Education and Outreach
The Division is tasked with promoting awareness and appreciation of New Hampshire’s history.
The rules may describe:
Educational programs.
Publications.
Partnerships with schools, museums, and local historical societies.
8. Enforcement and Penalties
The rules provide for enforcement mechanisms to prevent unauthorized alteration or destruction of historic and archaeological resources.
Violations of the rules can result in penalties or corrective actions.
The Division may have authority to stop work on projects that threaten historic resources without proper permits.
9. Records and Documentation
The Division maintains archives of historic property inventories, archaeological site files, and related documentation.
The rules specify standards for record-keeping and confidentiality, especially for sensitive archaeological site locations.
Summary
The Cul-H chapter of the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules lays out the legal framework for preserving New Hampshire’s cultural and historical resources through the Division of Historical Resources. It covers everything from defining what is considered historic, to reviewing projects that might impact historic sites, to granting funds for preservation, and enforcing rules to protect the state’s heritage.
The Division’s work is crucial in balancing development with the need to conserve New Hampshire’s unique history and archaeology for future generations.
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