In order to recognize the significance of a truly phenomenal building or piece of property, the secretary of the interior may acknowledge a specific building as a National Historic Landmark. This is considered the highest designation in the country for properties of national importance. Of the 38 historic landmarks in the state of Wisconsin, four are right here on campus: The Red Gym, North Hall, Science Hall and the Dairy Barn. But how does a building become a National Historic Landmark?
According to Daina Penkiunas, national register coordinator for the Wisconsin Historical Society, the process of approving a building to become a Historical Landmark is complex. The historic importance of a potential landmark is evaluated by the National Park Service and the National Park System Advisory Board. Historians of the National Park Service must evaluate the nominated properties and approve or disapprove the nominations. Though a building may go into the National Register'a list of historic properties'??it may or may not be acknowledged as a National Historic Landmark. The National Park Service must forward the nomination to the National Park System Advisory Board, who may recommend the property to the secretary of the interior for National Historic Landmark designation.
Not every nomination can always be approved by each department. In order to decide whether or not a building or property can become a National Historic Landmark, the National Park Service has established a set of criteria that historic properties must meet in order to be eligible.
A building must be associated with events or people that have made a significant contribution to our history. Likewise, a property should exemplify distinctive characteristics or outstanding examples of architectural style and retain important information in the history of our country.
'The Wisconsin Historical Society and http://www.uwhist/redgym.html both contributed to this report.
