Mission
The Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA) promotes the conservation of Indiana’s cultural resources through public education efforts, financial incentives including several grant and tax credit programs, and the administration of state and federally mandated legislation.
The DHPA facilitates state and federal preservation programs. Its members are the staff of the State Historic Preservation Officer, who is also the DNR director.
The services of DHPA include:
- The statewide survey of historic buildings, districts, and landscapes. The DHPA is the repository of National Register nominations and other materials related to the statewide survey.
- Environmental review of state and federal actions on affected historic and archaeological properties and resources.
- Programs for protecting and preserving Indiana’s prehistoric and historic archaeological sites and the valuable information that they contain.
- Technical assistance to owners in the restoration of historic properties, including those owners seeking state and federal rehabilitation income tax credits.
- Grant assistance for historic preservation projects.
- Technical assistance to local preservation commissions, including administration of the Certified Local Government (CLG) program.
- Historic preservation and archaeology education, including sponsorship of Archaeology Month, Historic Preservation Month, and other ongoing educational programs and public outreach.
- The Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD), which allows users to search information on known historic resources throughout Indiana. The data contained in SHAARD was collected from previously conducted cultural resource inventories, National and State Registers listings, research projects, and cultural resource management project reports.
Donations
- We do not accept historic buildings or structures as part of any donation program.
- We do not accept monetary donations to help support the goals and services of preservation.
Often, homeowners stumble upon artifacts, burial objects, or human remains that are items of archaeological significance when making improvements to their property. The Archeology Preservation Trust Fund was created to help preserve these archaeological finds. After discovery of an item, the law requires that work must be stopped to comply with DHPA-approved plans to excavate or secure the site from more disturbance. Sometimes, the work takes time and involves costs to the homeowner. Donations to The Archeology Preservation Trust Fund help owners carry out those plans and ensure that discoveries are properly secured. Make your donation today by completing the donation form and sending it with a check or money order to:
Archeology Preservation Trust Fund
DNR - Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology
402 West Washington Street, Room W274
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739
For more information, contact DHPA@dnr.IN.gov or call 317-232-1646.