1. (1) The Alabama Historical Commission developed the following criteria to guide applicants in preparing nominations to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Landmarks from Alabama's history, architecture, archaeology and culture are eligible and may be buildings, structures, historic districts, objects, and sites. A demolished property cannot be listed in the Alabama Register unless archaeological significance is determined (see (d) below). Properties that can be nominated for listing in the Alabama Register should:

   1. (a) have achieved historical significance at least 40 years ago; and
   2. (b) retain physical integrity through retention of historic materials, appearance, design, and other physical features; and

   3. (c) is associated with at least one of the following:

      1. 1. an important event or historical trend; or
      2. 2. the lives of persons significant in a community, county, state, or nation whose specific contributions to history can be identified and documented; or
      3. 3. an important architectural or engineering design; or it represents the work of a master; or it is a distinguishable entity although its components may lack individual distinction; or
      4. 4. likely to yield information important in history or prehistory (e.g. an archaeological site that has been used as a source of data and contains more, as yet unretrieved data; a property that has not yet yielded information but, through testing or research, is determined a likely source of data).

2. (2) Usually, properties that have been moved from their original locations, reconstructed historic buildings, and properties that are less than 40 years old are not eligible for inclusion in the Alabama Register unless they are contributing elements to an historic district that meets the criteria for inclusion in the Alabama Register or if they fall within the following categories:

   1. (a) a building that required being moved from its original location but which has been sensitively relocated to a site similar to the original and is significant primarily for architectural value, or if it is the surviving structure most importantly associated with an event, trend, or person; or
   2. (b) a reconstructed building when accurately executed in a suitable environment and presented in a dignified manner as part of a restoration master plan, and when no other building or structure with the same association has survived; or
   3. (c) a property that is less than 40 years old but is of exceptional importance to the state.

Author: David Hughes; Lee Anne Hewett

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §41-9-249(10).

History: Filed September 22, 1982. Amended: Published October 31, 2024; effective December 15, 2024.