SHPO and THPO

State of Alaska Historic Preservation Office

The Office of History and Archaeology (OHA) is Alaska’s primary office with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation dedicated to preserving and interpreting Alaska’s past, and serves as Alaska’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. OHA administers programs authorized by both the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Alaska Historic Preservation Act of 1971. The office works with local governments, the public, and educational and not-for-profit organizations to identify, preserve, protect, and interpret the state’s cultural, historic, and archaeological resources ensuring that our heritage is passed on to future generations.

Tribal Historic Preservation Office

Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPO) are officially designated by Tribes and serve the same function as a State Historic Preservation Office, but they are not a requirement. Tribes can elect to not participate, but those that do each have coordinators to assist in preservation efforts of Tribal historic properties and cultural traditions. They are also available to advise federal, state and local agencies on the management of Tribal historic properties and instruct municipalities on Section 106 reviews to represent tribal interests.