History/Architecture Survey & the Ohio Historic Inventory

Taking Inventory of Ohio's Architectural History

The identification and evaluation of an area’s architectural and historical resources are basic to the preservation of its cultural heritage. In Ohio, the survey program has been underway since the creation of the Ohio Historic Inventory in 1973. Since that time, more than 100,000 architectural properties have been documented and added to the state inventory, most often through the completion of history/architecture surveys.

Today, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) receives most of its new surveys from the completion of grant-funded Certified Local Government surveys, AmeriCorps Community Surveys, and surveys carried out to fulfill requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. To assist in the planning and completion of history/architecture surveys and Ohio Historic Inventory forms (through I-Form), SHPO has compiled several documents with the guidance necessary to complete the survey process:

Who Uses the Ohio Historic Inventory Form and What Is It Used For?

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The Ohio Historic Inventory is used by the State Historic Preservation Office staff, by various state, local, and federal agencies, and by the general public for making land-use planning, urban development, and road-improvement decisions. In addition, the inventory serves as an official archive and body of information for researchers and property owners.

How Is the Form Set Up?

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The Ohio Historic Inventory Form consists of a single page, two-sided questionnaire that gives a complete but succinct description and history of a building, site, structure, or object. The form is divided into six basic categories: Identification, Location, Background, Architectural Data, Additional Information, and Photographic Documentation. The form is printed on archival paper.

What Does the Form Do?

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  • The Ohio Historic Inventory form provides a brief description of the location, background, and architecture of a building, site, structure, or object of architectural or historical significance.
  • The Ohio Historic Inventory form is an important reference for organizing community preservation efforts and can be used as a guide for safeguarding the historical and architectural resources of Ohio.
  • The Ohio Historic Inventory form serves as an important data base for the State Historic Preservation Office's computerization efforts.

What Doesn't the Form Do?

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  • The Ohio Historic Inventory form does not automatically nominate or indicate acceptance of a property to the National Register of Historic Places, though it may serve to bring an eligible property to the attention of local and state governing bodies.
  • The Ohio Historic Inventory is not intended to be the complete story on a given property; it is an inventory. The pertinent information should be necessarily brief and condensed, hence the need for accurate and informative documentation.
  • The Ohio Historic Inventory is not a form of protection for a historic resource, nor does it provide property owners with a list of do's and don'ts.

Ohio Historic Inventory Key Resources

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History/Architecture Consultants List

The State Historic Preservation Office maintains a list of consultants who meet federal professional qualification standards as an aid to those seeking the services of a preservation professional.