Preserve & Protect
About Our Agency
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the State of Delaware, organized as a Division within the Department of State. Funding for the Division’s museums, programs, and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, a federal agency.
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs has published a Strategic Plan for FY15-FY19. View the full plan or go to the Executive Summary.
Tax Credit Program
Delaware’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program assists in preserving and rehabilitating historic buildings throughout Delaware. Applicants may be eligible for tax credits for rehabilitation work on properties that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, or are certified as contributing to a listed historic district.
Protection of Historic Properties
This section includes information about federal and state laws and regulations relating to preservation of historic properties, including working with Section 106, assessing visual effects, and easement/convenant resources.
National Register of Historic Places
Are you interested in nominating a property for the National Register of Historic Places? Learn about the Delaware State Review Board process, access the National Park Service’s website, and learn more about what properties are currently listed in the National Register.
Architectural & Archaeological Surveys
The materials linked to this page provide guidance on how to carry out and report on architectural and archaeological surveys in Delaware.
Cemeteries & Discovery of Human Remains
This section addresses cemetery-related issues, including the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office’s responsibilities and services, research resources, eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, jurisdictional questions, and federal and state legislation.
What happens if you discover an unmarked human burial site? This section describes procedures that must be followed if you discover human remains, and a link to the Unmarked Human Remains Law (Title 7 Chapter 54 of the Delaware Code).
Certified Local Governments
Local governments that recognize the importance of historic preservation and its role in creating sustainable, economically-viable communities are encouraged to pursue Certified Local Government (CLG) status. The CLG Program strengthens preservation efforts at the local-level by providing technical and financial assistance, and encouraging successful preservation programs and practices.
Archaeological & Historic Research
This section includes information on access to our Historic Property Research Center, links to a variety of interesting resources and publications, and a link to the Geographic Information System (GIS) for property research.
Preservation Help Center
If you’re not sure where to start, or who would handle your question, start here. This section includes statewide archaeology and preservation network contacts, technical assistance, and resources about how to care for historic buildings.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SUPPORT
These webpages have been financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20240.