Historic preservation is an important aspect of maintaining our cultural heritage. To aid in this effort, there are a variety of educational tools available to help individuals and organizations learn more about the field. These can include programs, workshops, conferences, and publications. By utilizing these resources, we can work together to ensure that our historic buildings and sites are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Preservation New Jersey provides a diverse range informative and engaging sessions that cover various aspects of preservation. Our programs are available both virtually and as recordings of in-person events. If you missed any of our events, you can tune in below to catch up on what you missed.
The New Jersey Historic Preservation Office (NJHPO), part of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is responsible for historic preservation programs in the state.
Benefits may include eligibility for tax credits, grants, technical assistance, and protection from adverse effects of federally funded projects.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) leads efforts in environmental preservation, including enforcing regulations and managing protected areas.
You can join local preservation organizations or societies, attend public meetings, volunteer with historic sites, or contact Preservation New Jersey, NJHPO and NJ Historic Trust for opportunities.
In New Jersey, demolishing a historic building is subject to regulations and approval at the local level. A review may be required by a local Historic Preservation Commissions (HPCs) or state agency depending on project funding. These bodies assess the historic, architectural, and cultural significance of the structure before granting demolition permits.
If a property is listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, any state, county, or local government (or publicly funded) project that may encroach upon or adversely affect the property requires prior authorization from the NJHPO. This includes demolitions, alterations, or relocations. The NJHPO assesses whether the proposed action would harm the property’s historical value and may require mitigation measures.
A COA is a permit issued by a local Historic Preservation Commission that approves proposed changes to a historic property, ensuring the work is compatible with the property’s historic character.
Yes. Changes to designated historic properties or those in historic districts typically require approval from a local Historic Preservation Commission or the NJHPO to ensure alterations preserve historic integrity.
Any exterior changes visible from the street generally require review and approval by the local Historic Preservation Commission, if your municipality has a formal ordinance, to maintain the district’s historic character.
Interior changes typically have fewer restrictions unless the interior is specifically designated as historically significant. In addition, if interior changes pose changes to the exterior, the local Historic Preservation Commission generally will require a review.
This is unfortunately a common challenge for stewards of historic and uninhabited properties. While Preservation New Jersey does not directly partner with insurance providers, we are aware of a few companies that have experience working with historic buildings and preservation groups. Some options you may wish to explore include:
National Trust Insurance Services (an affiliate of the National Trust for Historic Preservation): They specialize in insurance policies tailored for historic properties and nonprofit-owned buildings.
Philadelphia Insurance Companies and Great American Insurance Group: Both have a history of working with nonprofits and owners of historic buildings and may offer suitable coverage.
Additionally, working with an insurance broker who understands the unique challenges of historic or specialty properties can be especially beneficial. Such brokers can advocate on your behalf and help find underwriters willing to provide coverage that meets your specific needs. We recommend reaching out to local preservation organizations as well, since they often have resources or contacts familiar with insuring historic properties.
Unfortunately, in New Jersey, there are no programs that provide direct funding specifically for preservation work on private residences. However, some preservation organizations and community development programs may offer low-interest loans aimed at historic property owners. As a first step, we recommend reaching out to your local Economic Development office to explore any opportunities or resources available in your area.
Publicly owned historic sites in New Jersey have access to several funding sources to support preservation, restoration, and maintenance projects:
New Jersey Historic Trust Grants: The Historic Trust offers competitive grants specifically for the rehabilitation of historic properties owned by public entities, including municipalities, counties, and state agencies.
Transportation Enhancement Grants: For historic sites affected by transportation projects, funding may be available through the Department of Transportation to mitigate impacts or enhance preservation.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): Some public historic sites may qualify for CDBG funds administered by local governments, especially if the project benefits the community broadly.
Open Space Trust Funds: Many counties and municipalities in New Jersey have Open Space Trust Funds that can be used for the acquisition, preservation, and maintenance of historic sites and properties, often in conjunction with natural resource protection.
Public owners interested in funding should work closely with the NJHPO and their local government offices to identify suitable programs, prepare applications, and comply with preservation guidelines.
