Scholars (peer reviewers) read the nomination in cooperation with the NHL staff to review and further edit and refine the nomination.

These scholars are recognized subject-matter experts who have extensive knowledge in their respective fields. They may be academics or professionals in cultural resource management.

Generally, 2-3 scholars review each property. This ensures that the property is thoroughly vetted by leading experts in both American history, architecture, and/or archeology as well as the history, architecture, and/or archeology associated with the property.

photograph by eli.pousson via Flickr Rachel Carson House, MD: From 1956 to 1964, this was the home of Rachel Louise Carson (1907-1964), biologist, naturalist, writer and poet. Carson was already famous when she wrote Silent Spring in 1962. Silent Spring changed the way Americans think about their natural environment and is credited with initiating the modern environmental movement by drawing attention to the poisoning of the earth and the endangerment of public safety by the indiscriminate use of modern chemical pesticides and herbicides.