Historic preservation is more than protecting individual buildings and landmarks. It is about safeguarding the places, landscapes, neighborhoods, and cultural resources that tell the stories of New Jersey’s communities.
Preservation New Jersey advocates for public policies, legislation, and government actions that strengthen historic preservation at the local, state, and federal levels. Through education, partnerships, legislative engagement, and grassroots advocacy, we work to ensure that historic resources remain an important part of New Jersey’s future. We also monitor proposed legislation, regulatory changes, funding decisions, and public policies that affect historic and cultural resources.
Our mission is simple: to give historic places a voice in the decisions that shape our communities.
Preservation New Jersey works to identify, raise awareness of, and advocate for historic places threatened by demolition, neglect, inappropriate development, and other preservation challenges. Through our signature 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey program, we spotlight significant historic and cultural resources at risk, bringing statewide attention to their preservation needs and encouraging community engagement, partnerships, and action.
Historic burial grounds can be among the most fragile places in New Jersey’s cultural landscape. Some remain in active care; others are privately held, abandoned, difficult to locate, or no longer visibly marked. In 2026, the New Jersey Legislature introduced two measures that address portions of this issue through different legal frameworks.
Advocating for strong federal historic preservation laws, policies, and funding that safeguard our nation’s historic and cultural resources. Central to these protections is Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which requires federal agencies to consider the effects of federally funded, licensed, or permitted projects on historic properties and provide opportunities for consultation and public participation before decisions are finalized.
Advocating for the long-term reauthorization and sustained funding of the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), the nation’s primary source of federal financial support for historic preservation. Established in 1976, the HPF supports State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, local preservation initiatives, historic resource surveys, preservation planning, and competitive grant programs. Funded through federal offshore oil and gas lease revenues rather than taxpayer dollars, the HPF is essential to protecting historic places nationwide.
PNJ supports Senate Bill S3545, the Homeowners’ Historic Property Reinvestment Act, which would establish a refundable state income tax credit to encourage the rehabilitation and preservation of historic homes throughout New Jersey. The proposed legislation would provide eligible homeowners with a tax credit equal to 25% of qualified rehabilitation expenses, up to $25,000 per property over a ten-year period.
Historic preservation depends on informed and engaged communities. Whether you are a preservation professional, local official, property owner, historian, or concerned resident, your voice can make a difference.
Encourage elected officials to support preservation-friendly legislation and policies.
Stay informed about legislative proposals and opportunities to submit comments or testimony.
Help policymakers understand how historic preservation benefits your community.
Become a member, contribute to our advocacy efforts, or help expand public awareness.
Connect with preservation advocates working to protect historic places throughout New Jersey.
