Welcome!

The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is Washington State's primary agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation. We advocate for the preservation of Washington’s irreplaceable historic and cultural resources – significant buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts – as assets for the future. Through education and information, we provide leadership for the protection of our shared heritage.

Increasingly, preservation is recognized as a tool for economic development.  It is the cultural and historic resources of a community that tells the story of its past, a past that makes any single community distinct from all other places.  Preserving these physical reminders of our past creates a sense of place, the result being an environment that instills civic pride and community spirit.

Quick Links.....

• Contact Us
• Reporting Standards/Guidelines
• Tribal Contact List
• National Register Form
• Locate a Historic Site

What you’ll find here...
This website will provide you with information, documents, maps, photographs and tools to help you find what you need regarding archaeologic and historic sites. You’ll find local government programs, regulations, tax incentives and other useful data.

Try WISAARD, our new online GIS map tool for locating designated historical sites which are listed on the state and national register. WISAARD provides summary information about the listing sites, images, and downloadable copies of nomination forms. 

DAHP Looking to Hire Anthropologist!

For more information click here.

Historic Preservation Month Award Winners Announced! 

For more information click here.

Work Begins to Update Statewide Historic Preservation Plan! 
We need your ideas for the 2009-2013 State Historic Preservation Plan.  For more information click here.

New Pathways: Historic Preservation & Sustainability Conference Info Posted!

For more information click here.

Maritime Heritage Area Study RFP Released! 

DAHP is looking for a consultant to develop a feasibility study for a Washington State Maritime Heritage Area.  For more information click here.

18 Heritage Barn Grant Applications Awarded!  In total, the state awarded nearly $460,000 in grant funds towards the preservation of Heritage Barns. For more information click here.

Accepting New Heritage Barn Register Applications!

Nominations for the newly developed Heritage Barn Register program are now available.  The third round of Nomination Forms are due April 30th. Round 2 nominations were approved for listing in January.  For more information click here.