A letter of inquiry introduces the property to the NHL staff. It provides a written overview of the property, its historic significance, and its historic integrity. This letter also serves as a formal written record. Because it is a formal written record, you may want to call NHL staff. NHL staff can answer questions you may have regarding your property and its potential for designation as an NHL property. They will answer questions you may have.

Your letter should provide preliminary answers to the following questions:

• What is the historic importance of the property? What nationally significant story does the property tell?

• How would you assess the current condition and integrity of the property? Has the property undergone major alterations since the historic period? If so, how extensive are these alterations?

• Do you have the support of the property owner?

• Is the property already listed in the National Register of Historic Places?

If you include materials above and beyond the letter, such as photographs or brochures, please send this material to us via an alternate mail carrier. Materials sent to us via the USPS are irradiated; this process destroys photographs. Please note that materials will not be returned to you.

Click here to find addresses for your letter.

photograph by Lucas Berrini via Flickr Boston Common, MA: Set aside by the city of Boston in 1634, the Common is the oldest public park in the U.S. It was a political rallying point and military training field before and during the American Revolution and the Civil War. This site also contains the playing field of the first organized football club in the United States, which began in 1862.