historic preservation
Historic Sites Survey
A statewide survey provides us with a permanent record of the state's historic properties and is a valuable source for historical research. The information gathered by the statewide survey is used as a planning tool by both the SHPO and local communities to ensure wise use of the state's cultural resources.
The survey is used to identify properties eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Properties eligible for the Register may, in turn, qualify for federal and state historic preservation grants and tax incentives that the SHPO administers. The survey is also used to facilitate the NHPA Section 106 review and compliance process, a procedure that helps protect South Dakota's cultural resources from potential adverse effects that may occur during the implementation of federally-funded or licensed projects.
On the local level, the survey provides the information a community needs to conserve, maintain, and enhance its hitoric resources. Survey data is essential to a community when it is drafting a preservation ordinance, identifying a local landmark, or making of a conservation district, for such measures will influence future planning, new development, capital improvement, and zoning. Finally, the survey can promote public appreciation for a community's historic resources by providing access to information through publications, audiovisual presentations, and curriculum packets, which can strengthen a community's commitment to protect the state's historic resources.
SD Historic Resource Survey Manual, 2023 (Architectural)
SHPO CRGRID - Cultural Resource Geographic Research Information Display
User Guide for CRGRID [new, link pending].
Public web application to search and view SHPO's unrestricted architectural survey records:
- Old: https://history.sd.gov/SHPOHS/
- New: [link pending]
To request a user account for CRGRID, email your name (first, last), email address, phone number, and agency/institution/company to us at shpo@state.sd.us.
NOTE: The South Dakota Archaeological Research Center manages survey records for archaeological sites. See their website for information on requesting record searches, submitting records, and/or accessing ARMS (Archaeological Records Management System) for licensed consultants/archaeologists.
Survey forms as PDFs or as Microsoft Word documents:
- Survey Forms, All Combined (PDF)
- Structures Form - pdf or Word format
- Bridges Form - pdf or Word format
- Cemetary Form - pdf or Word format
- Bridges/Cemetary Master List
The following are legacy formats that are now obsolete:
- Ineligible Form: pdf or Word format
These were to provide basic minimum information on properties that are more clearly not eligible to the National Register. Equivalent: Conplete only the required fields on the online forms.
- Intensive Form: pdf or Word format
If you wish to complete and submit intensive forms: 1) Complete the regular online forms aslo, and 2) Use these files to complete the full intensive form and email those to shpo@state.sd.us. SHPO staff will review and save copies in our in-house files.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Liz Almlie, Historic Preservation Specialist
South Dakota State Historical Society
900 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501-2217
(605)773-2217
Liz.Almlie@state.sd.us