Attachment_J.4_SD_418.pdf

SMITHSONIAN DIRECTIVE 418

April 18, 2005

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION HISTORIC PRESERVATION POLICY

Purpose 1 Authority 1 Policy 3 Definitions 3 Responsibilities 3

Appendix A, Historic Preservation Policy Standards Appendix B, Historic Preservation Terms Appendix C, Qualifying Smithsonian Structures and Sites

Purpose

This directive establishes policy for carrying out the Institution’s commitment to protect and preserve those Smithsonian buildings, structures, and sites in its care that contribute to our national cultural heritage.

The Smithsonian’s responsibility for its museum buildings and other facilities requires a continuing program of maintenance, repair, renovation, and restoration. Many are significant National Historic Landmarks in their own right and are listed on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

Maintenance and preservation of these buildings and facilities is one of the Institution’s highest priorities. This priority reflects the Smithsonian’s recognition of its unique role as trustee for present and future generations.

Authority

National preservation policy was established by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, Public Law 89-665, 80 Stat. 915 (codified as amended at 16 USC 470-470w-6 (1988). NHPA outlines specific actions required by federal agencies to protect cultural

Smithsonian Directive 418 04/18/05

Authority (continued) resources listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Section 106 of NHPA establishes a requirement for review of undertakings to determine their effect on historic resources and to mitigate any adverse effects. Regulations (36 CFR Part 800) developed by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation describe the Section 106 process in detail.

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Treatment of Historic Properties are the accepted principles and practices for the prudent management and preservation of historic resources.

Although the Smithsonian is not a federal agency as defined in NHPA, it is the policy of the Institution to be guided by the principles of NHPA in managing its historic properties. In addition, for Smithsonian design and construction projects in the District of Columbia that are subject to review and approval by the National Capital Planning Commission, the Institution is deemed to be an agency for the purposes of compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA regulations. (See the Smithsonian Facilities Authorization Act, PL108-72)

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 USC 4321 et seq., enacted in 1970, requires federal agencies to develop a detailed statement on the environmental impact of major federal actions significantly affecting the human environment, including effects on urban quality, historic and cultural resources, and the design of the built environment.

Although the Smithsonian is not a federal agency as defined in NEPA, when a project will require approval or action from a federal agency the Smithsonian may conduct a NEPA review. When possible, the NEPA review will be coordinated with the review under Section 106 of the NHPA, as described above.

Policy

Smithsonian policy provides that all undertakings with regard to preservation of its buildings shall conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Treatment of Historic Properties and be guided by the principles of the NHPA for renovation and restoration projects and for all major capital revitalization. This policy applies to all repair and alteration of Smithsonian properties, owned or leased, and to all undertakings that include new construction, demolition, and disposition of Institution property. The Institution’s historic preservation policy standards are found in the attached Appendix A.

Definitions

The attached Appendix B provides definitions for terms pertaining to historic preservation.

Responsibilities

The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution delegates authority through the Deputy Secretary and the Director, Office of Facilities, Engineering, and Operations (OFEO), to the Chairperson, Architectural History and Historic Preservation Division (AHHP), as the Historic Preservation Officer for the Institution. Accordingly, the Chairperson of AHHP is responsible for implementing the Smithsonian’s historic preservation policy. The Historic Preservation Officer is authorized to review every restoration, renovation, design and construction project initiated by any Smithsonian museum, research center, or office to determine its effect and conformance with this policy.

AHHP shall take into account the effect of a project on any historic district, site, building, structure, object, or landscape that is included in or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Identification of the historic structure and character of all Smithsonian buildings and grounds is the responsibility of AHHP. The attached Appendix C provides a list of Smithsonian buildings and sites that are on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

Responsibilities (continued)

AHHP ensures preservation compliance by internal review of all design and construction projects. In its review, AHHP applies the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Treatment of Historic Properties. In fulfilling this responsibility, AHHP ensures Smithsonian adherence to the recognized processes and procedures of historic preservation and is authorized to represent the Institution in historic preservation matters.

The Office of the General Counsel is responsible for the legal and regulatory interpretation of historic preservation policy.

The Director, OFEO, is responsible for making a final decision in the event of disagreement with the AHHP determination of a project’s effect and conformance with this policy, and serves as the Agency Official for purposes of compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA.

Smithsonian museums, research centers, and offices are responsible for adhering to historic preservation policy.

Their cooperation ensures that the Institution will meet its obligation in providing outstanding stewardship of its buildings and sites.

Smithsonian employees are responsible for ensuring that both the spirit and intent of this policy are fully implemented throughout the Institution.

CANCELLATION: SD 418, March 19, 1993 INQUIRIES: Architectural History and Historic Preservation Division, OFEO RETENTION: Indefinite. Subject to review for currency 24 months from date of issue