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National/State Register of Historic Places

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Ed Lecuyer:
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National/State Register of Historic Places has been converted from the pre-July 2008 WW&F Discussion Forum.
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Ira Schreiber wrote:

--- Quote ---Has there been any discussion/action to get the WW&F on the Register?
This registration allows the "creditibility factor" to kick in when grant applications are presented.
It is a rather painless, but political, process and does open new doors.
Ira Schreiber
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Stephen Hussar replied:

--- Quote ---Thought this might be helpful.

What is the difference between the National Register of Historic Places, a National Historic District and a National Historic Landmark?
These terms are often confused, but each holds a different level of significance.

Individual structures are listed on the National Register, but entire neighborhoods or areas can also be designated as a National Historic District. To qualify, the area must retain architectural integrity and reflect an aspect of the area’s history. A historical overview of the entire district is needed. The purpose of the overview is to provide a basic background history of the area and to justify the significance of the district. Historic resources survey documentation is required for all proposed districts, which involves photographing and mapping all buildings in the district, recording their architectural characteristics, and assessing whether or not they contribute to the historic character of a district.

The highest level of designation is a National Historic Landmark, and therefore specific criteria are used to determine a site’s eligibility. National Historic Landmarks are properties deemed significant to all Americans because of their exceptional values or qualities, which help illustrate or interpret the heritage of the United States. If a property is named a National Historic Landmark, it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and able to obtain federal historic preservation funding, when available. Only three percent of properties on the National Register are also Landmarks and they are usually owned by private individuals or groups; others are owned by local, state, tribal or federal government agencies.
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Ira Schreiber replied:

--- Quote ---Steve,
Thank you very much for your input. This defines clearly what it is and what is required. I feel that we could meet both criteria, with our historic artifacts/buildings and our re-creation of the railroad.
Lowell, MA would be a parallel in my mind.
Ira Schreiber
--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---FYI, the Sheepscot Village area, including both banks, is I believe a Historic District.  If you drive across the new bridge, near the grange hall on the Newcastle side is a sign which explains it.  I've never stopped to look at the sign, so I can't tell you what it says exactly.

IMHO, #9 might be considered a Historic Landmark, but where the railroad is brand new (even though on an original roadbed) I doubt it can be a Historic anything.

There was board talk about getting #9 on the list, but no action.
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Stephen Hussar replied:

--- Quote ---
--- Quote ---
IMHO, #9 might be considered a Historic Landmark

There was board talk about getting #9 on the list, but no action.
--- End quote ---

Yes, #9 could easily have been considered for Historic Landmark status, however I don't believe the museum membership would enjoy the "constraints" such recognition would place on the locomotive's condition.

Also, it is possible that the Sheepscot location itself, having been part of a unique piece of Maine's history, could be listed on the Register of Historic Places. In fact I am quite certain that the entire ROW qualifies. All that is needed to have the roadbed listed on the National Register, is for a local selectman to nominate the roadbed with Maine's Historic Preservation officer, Mr. Earle Shettleworth , Jr. (earle.shettleworth@state.me.us)

Mr. Shettleworth, being convinced of the merits of the nomination, then nominates the WW&F roadbed with the NPS.
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