D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 1020
1020.1 Washington, DC’s most important historic features are widely familiar and officially recognized through historic designation. The District’s monuments are world-famous, and some of its neighborhoods are well-known to people across the globe. But the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites includes hundreds of historic landmarks and dozens of historic districts, and many of these are likely to be unfamiliar even to native Washingtonians. Longtime residents and institutions serve as guardians of memory about such sites. These places and stories should become more vivid and accessible as a means to appreciate the District’s history.
1020.2 Recognition involves more than academic research and field work to identify and document historic properties. It also requires a deliberate effort to educate and inform property owners and the public at large about the nature and the protected status of those features and places whose historic value may not be readily apparent. It is easy to take historic properties for granted because of lack of reference or information. It is equally important to publicize the value of potential historic properties while actively seeking official recognition, and thus the benefits of legal protection.
1020.3 Many local organizations actively pursue outreach programs aimed at raising public awareness and appreciation of Washington DC’s cultural heritage. Public response to these activities has been strong, but more coordinated efforts could have a greater impact on a wider audience. The District also needs to raise the profile of its archaeological programs and make Washington, DC’s artifact collections available for research and public enjoyment.
Promote public education in the values of historic preservation and the processes for preserving historic properties.
Foster broad community participation in efforts to identify, designate, and publicize historic properties.
Make Heritage Guides for each ward available to the public on the internet and in print. Periodically update the guides as needed.
Develop and maintain a coordinated program for public identification of historic properties through street signage, building markers, heritage trail signage, and other means.
Celebrate the cultural history of District neighborhoods. Recognize cultural preservation as an integral part of historic preservation and use cultural tourism to link neighborhoods and promote communication among diverse groups.
Maintain an appropriate method of periodic notification to owners of historic property, informing them of the benefits and responsibilities of their stewardship.
Sustain an active program of outreach to the District’s neighborhoods. Develop educational materials on the cultural and social history of District communities as a means to engage residents and introduce historic preservation values and goals. Promote public understanding of not just the principles for preserving properties but also the social and community benefits of historic preservation.
Work with both public and private schools to develop and implement programs to educate District students on the full range of historic, architectural, and archaeological resources in Washington, DC. Use education to promote the value of historic preservation as a community activity.
Complete implementation of the District-wide program for street signs identifying historic districts.
Continue with implementation of the program of consistent signage that property owners may use to identify historic properties and provide brief commemorative information.
Develop display exhibits for libraries, recreation centers, and other public buildings that showcase historic and archaeological resources. Recruit volunteers to assist with the interpretation of these resources.
Identify heritage tourism opportunities and strategies that integrate District programs with those of organizations like Cultural Tourism DC, EventsDC, and others oriented to visitors. Use these programs to promote and enhance the integrity and authenticity of historic resources.
Enhance existing heritage tourism programs by celebrating the cultural history of District neighborhoods, especially those not recognized as visitor destinations, through local history tours and programs engaging a diverse audience.
1020.17
Collaborate with cemetery administrators to reconnect burial grounds to their surrounding neighborhoods for greater public access. Promote cemeteries for purposes of tourism and low-impact recreation, such as walking. Create online guides of distinguished monuments and notable Washingtonians buried in local cemeteries.
See the Arts and Culture Element for additional policies and actions related to cultural heritage.
SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).