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National Register Traditional Cultural Places Bulletin Update
National Park Service - Washington Office » National Register Traditional Cultural Places Bulletin Update » Document List
The National Park Service is pleased to announce the release of National Register Bulletin: Identifying, Evaluating, and Documenting Traditional Cultural Places. The TCP Bulletin provides guidance for preparing a nomination of a traditional cultural place (TCP) for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Last issued in 1998, the TCP Bulletin has been updated to respond to the many requests made over the past decades for additional guidance and examples to promote greater participation in the preservation of these places.
The updated TCP Bulletin is available on the "Document List" page.
SCHEDULE
Winter 2024/2025, Outreach
>Conduct outreach via webinars to introduce the revised TCP Bulletin and answer questions
Spring/Summer/Fall 2024, Revise, Format, and Reissue
>Revise after close of Federal Register comment period.
>Design, layout, and publish.
Winter 2023/2024, External Review
>Publish notice of draft in Federal Register, with a 60-day comment period.
Summer-Fall 2023, Review and Revise
>Internally review and revise based on comments received through consultation and engagement.
Fall 2022-Spring 2023, Consultation and Outreach
>Issue draft.
>Conduct consultation with Tribal Governments.
>Conduct outreach with preservation partners and the public.
BACKGROUND
First issued in 1990, the TCP Bulletin was developed to provide guidance on nominating buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts believed to have traditional cultural significance for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The TCP Bulletin was updated in 1992 to address concerns that properties of importance to Tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) were being excluded from listing by virtue of the fact that religious properties are not typically eligible for listing in the National Register. It was again updated in 1998 to re-state that TCPs are not a new property type nor an additional level of significance.
From 2011 to 2013, in response to ever-increasing requests for additional assistance on TCP identification and evaluation, NPS held listening sessions around the country to gather comments. NPS hosted webinars and participated in conferences and meetings with Federal and state agencies, Native Americans, Native Hawai'ians, Native Alaskans, and preservation organizations. Most comments received asked for clarification on just what is eligible as a TCP and just how the federal review process (Section 106 consultation) applies to TCPs.
From 2014 to 2017, NPS developed a revised draft that to include plain language and successful nominations as examples. In mid-2017, the update initiative was halted. The NPS is now relaunching that effort to revised the TCP Bulletin. The 2017 draft has been further revised to enhance plain language and include additional examples and images.
COMMENTING ROUND TWO (CLOSED)
The NPS invites comments on the Draft TCP Bulletin dated November 6, 2023. It is available at the "Document List" link or "Open for Comment" link on this page. A hard copy is available upon request to nr_tcp@nps.gov.
A summary of the substantive changes made in response to comments and concerns expressed through correspondence received by the National Park Service is available at the "Document List" link on this page.
Comments may be submitted online by clicking the "Open For Comment" link on this page and selecting the TCP Bulletin file. This action will open the comment submission screen. Alternatively, comments may be submitted via email to nr_tcp@nps.gov or mailed to
National Register of Historic Places
National Park Service
Stewart Lee Udall Building
1849 C Street, NW
Mail Stop 7228
Washington, D.C. 20240
ATTN: Draft TCP Bulletin
The deadline for submitting comments was March 25, 2024.
Please note, because U.S. Postal Service mail received at the Udall Building is irradiated, and this may cause damage, we recommended that paper correspondence be delivered to the Udall Building via private courier service, such as DHL, UPS, or FedEx.
COMMENTING ROUND ONE (CLOSED)
The NPS invites comments on the Draft TCP Bulletin. Comments may be submitted online by clicking the "Open For Comment" link on this page and selecting the TCP Bulletin file. This action will open the comment submission screen. Alternatively, comments may be submitted via email to nr_tcp@nps.gov or mailed to
National Register of Historic Places
National Park Service
Stewart Lee Udall Building
1849 C Street, NW
Mail Stop 7228
Washington, D.C. 20240
ATTN: Draft TCP Bulletin
The deadline for submitting comments was April 30, 2023.
Please note, because U.S. Postal Service mail received at the Udall Building is irradiated, and this may cause damage, we recommended that paper correspondence be delivered to the Udall Building via private courier service, such as DHL, UPS, or FedEx.
CONSULTATION (CLOSED)
The NPS will engage in consultation with Native American Tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and Alaska Native Corporations.
All meetings will be held virtually via Zoom.
Please note that only Tribal, ANC, and NHO leaders and representatives may attend tribal consultations.
Tribal Consultation for Eastern Time Zone Tribes
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_grjt9zufTX-sqqW6l3o8fA
Tribal Consultation for Central Time Zone Tribes
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Thursday, February 23, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CJt9d6a9R-2whU3KGohZTg
Tribal Consultation for Mountain Time Zone Tribes
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Monday, March 6, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fIyXruJgS6eNuwSY4O7CUQ
Tribal Consultation Webinar for Pacific and Alaska Time Zone Tribes
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Monday, March 13, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kFKaIBOMRqqxen2lh2b96w
Native Hawaiian Organizations Webinar
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BttuEKp-S0CsdI-ZN-D8tQ
Native Hawaiian Organizations Webinar
4:00 to 6:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QB28aqwZQmiMThlqOcmczQ
Alaska Native Corporations Webinar
2-4 PM
Thursday, March 2, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Uc_om1swSvaKJXWkuEdmbQ
OUTREACH (CLOSED)
The NPS will conduct a series of webinars tailored to a variety of audiences.
All meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. You may register for any of the webinars listed below but are encouraged to attend the one for the group with which you most closely identify, as each presentation and Q&A period will focus on issues of interest to that group.
NCSHPO Members Webinar
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TjUEfjH_TaCLiWGy7AvaPA
Tribal Historic Preservation Officers Webinar
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Thursday, January 26, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lAYsD8ZFSDi_psDmBGEHPA
SHPO Webinar 1 Eastern states
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g4-SlKTESWq0Ar6jjd3cQA
SHPO Webinar 2 Central states
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Thursday, February 9, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0sW0YI6vT5ygMpDkHZp5rg
SHPO Webinar 3 Mountain states
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_POribp1SRcapsqDEdDloIQ
SHPO Webinar 4 Pacific states
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Thursday, February 16, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wgUa755-QDiuCaiJIOSy3g
Agencies/Organizations Webinar 1 of 2
(This webinar is appropriate for Federal, state and local agencies, and both public and private organizations. Two webinars- -this one and the one listed below- -are being offered to provide scheduling flexibility.)
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LoXhIgqdTS23sOBkFbAFqQ
Agencies/Organizations Webinar 2 of 2
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Thursday, March 9, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X5MU_XyETZSrIEV-Fh_tHQ
FPO Webinar
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Friday, February 24, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B0UAFJ43TFSr3NdPybEd-A
Public Webinar 1 of 2
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eucSdRGOQpC1Fhbd0Mmz2Q
Public Webinar 2
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sBlIvc_QSOyDPegXu8h00w
The updated TCP Bulletin is available on the "Document List" page.
SCHEDULE
Winter 2024/2025, Outreach
>Conduct outreach via webinars to introduce the revised TCP Bulletin and answer questions
Spring/Summer/Fall 2024, Revise, Format, and Reissue
>Revise after close of Federal Register comment period.
>Design, layout, and publish.
Winter 2023/2024, External Review
>Publish notice of draft in Federal Register, with a 60-day comment period.
Summer-Fall 2023, Review and Revise
>Internally review and revise based on comments received through consultation and engagement.
Fall 2022-Spring 2023, Consultation and Outreach
>Issue draft.
>Conduct consultation with Tribal Governments.
>Conduct outreach with preservation partners and the public.
BACKGROUND
First issued in 1990, the TCP Bulletin was developed to provide guidance on nominating buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts believed to have traditional cultural significance for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The TCP Bulletin was updated in 1992 to address concerns that properties of importance to Tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) were being excluded from listing by virtue of the fact that religious properties are not typically eligible for listing in the National Register. It was again updated in 1998 to re-state that TCPs are not a new property type nor an additional level of significance.
From 2011 to 2013, in response to ever-increasing requests for additional assistance on TCP identification and evaluation, NPS held listening sessions around the country to gather comments. NPS hosted webinars and participated in conferences and meetings with Federal and state agencies, Native Americans, Native Hawai'ians, Native Alaskans, and preservation organizations. Most comments received asked for clarification on just what is eligible as a TCP and just how the federal review process (Section 106 consultation) applies to TCPs.
From 2014 to 2017, NPS developed a revised draft that to include plain language and successful nominations as examples. In mid-2017, the update initiative was halted. The NPS is now relaunching that effort to revised the TCP Bulletin. The 2017 draft has been further revised to enhance plain language and include additional examples and images.
COMMENTING ROUND TWO (CLOSED)
The NPS invites comments on the Draft TCP Bulletin dated November 6, 2023. It is available at the "Document List" link or "Open for Comment" link on this page. A hard copy is available upon request to nr_tcp@nps.gov.
A summary of the substantive changes made in response to comments and concerns expressed through correspondence received by the National Park Service is available at the "Document List" link on this page.
Comments may be submitted online by clicking the "Open For Comment" link on this page and selecting the TCP Bulletin file. This action will open the comment submission screen. Alternatively, comments may be submitted via email to nr_tcp@nps.gov or mailed to
National Register of Historic Places
National Park Service
Stewart Lee Udall Building
1849 C Street, NW
Mail Stop 7228
Washington, D.C. 20240
ATTN: Draft TCP Bulletin
The deadline for submitting comments was March 25, 2024.
Please note, because U.S. Postal Service mail received at the Udall Building is irradiated, and this may cause damage, we recommended that paper correspondence be delivered to the Udall Building via private courier service, such as DHL, UPS, or FedEx.
COMMENTING ROUND ONE (CLOSED)
The NPS invites comments on the Draft TCP Bulletin. Comments may be submitted online by clicking the "Open For Comment" link on this page and selecting the TCP Bulletin file. This action will open the comment submission screen. Alternatively, comments may be submitted via email to nr_tcp@nps.gov or mailed to
National Register of Historic Places
National Park Service
Stewart Lee Udall Building
1849 C Street, NW
Mail Stop 7228
Washington, D.C. 20240
ATTN: Draft TCP Bulletin
The deadline for submitting comments was April 30, 2023.
Please note, because U.S. Postal Service mail received at the Udall Building is irradiated, and this may cause damage, we recommended that paper correspondence be delivered to the Udall Building via private courier service, such as DHL, UPS, or FedEx.
CONSULTATION (CLOSED)
The NPS will engage in consultation with Native American Tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and Alaska Native Corporations.
All meetings will be held virtually via Zoom.
Please note that only Tribal, ANC, and NHO leaders and representatives may attend tribal consultations.
Tribal Consultation for Eastern Time Zone Tribes
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_grjt9zufTX-sqqW6l3o8fA
Tribal Consultation for Central Time Zone Tribes
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Thursday, February 23, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CJt9d6a9R-2whU3KGohZTg
Tribal Consultation for Mountain Time Zone Tribes
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Monday, March 6, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fIyXruJgS6eNuwSY4O7CUQ
Tribal Consultation Webinar for Pacific and Alaska Time Zone Tribes
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Monday, March 13, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kFKaIBOMRqqxen2lh2b96w
Native Hawaiian Organizations Webinar
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BttuEKp-S0CsdI-ZN-D8tQ
Native Hawaiian Organizations Webinar
4:00 to 6:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QB28aqwZQmiMThlqOcmczQ
Alaska Native Corporations Webinar
2-4 PM
Thursday, March 2, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Uc_om1swSvaKJXWkuEdmbQ
OUTREACH (CLOSED)
The NPS will conduct a series of webinars tailored to a variety of audiences.
All meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. You may register for any of the webinars listed below but are encouraged to attend the one for the group with which you most closely identify, as each presentation and Q&A period will focus on issues of interest to that group.
NCSHPO Members Webinar
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TjUEfjH_TaCLiWGy7AvaPA
Tribal Historic Preservation Officers Webinar
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Thursday, January 26, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lAYsD8ZFSDi_psDmBGEHPA
SHPO Webinar 1 Eastern states
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g4-SlKTESWq0Ar6jjd3cQA
SHPO Webinar 2 Central states
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Thursday, February 9, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0sW0YI6vT5ygMpDkHZp5rg
SHPO Webinar 3 Mountain states
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_POribp1SRcapsqDEdDloIQ
SHPO Webinar 4 Pacific states
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Thursday, February 16, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wgUa755-QDiuCaiJIOSy3g
Agencies/Organizations Webinar 1 of 2
(This webinar is appropriate for Federal, state and local agencies, and both public and private organizations. Two webinars- -this one and the one listed below- -are being offered to provide scheduling flexibility.)
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LoXhIgqdTS23sOBkFbAFqQ
Agencies/Organizations Webinar 2 of 2
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Thursday, March 9, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X5MU_XyETZSrIEV-Fh_tHQ
FPO Webinar
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Friday, February 24, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B0UAFJ43TFSr3NdPybEd-A
Public Webinar 1 of 2
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eucSdRGOQpC1Fhbd0Mmz2Q
Public Webinar 2
2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sBlIvc_QSOyDPegXu8h00w