National Historic Preservation Act marks 60th anniversary amid legislative debate

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) marks its 60th anniversary, a milestone coinciding with legislative efforts to reform its central safeguard, the Section 106 process. Section 106 is a review process designed to identify and mitigate the impact of federal undertakings on historically and culturally significant sites.

Advocacy groups, including the AASLH and the 106Strong Coalition—which represents nearly 1,000 organizations—are urging the public to contact Senators to oppose S. 5653. Critics argue that proposed changes to Section 106 could dismantle essential protections for battlefields, burial grounds, sacred sites, and historic downtowns by reducing the ability of Tribal Nations, local governments, and communities to participate in the preservation process.