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Overview

Published April 2009, mailed by NPS’s National Register program to state historic preservation officer staff

For preparers of New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places nominations and fellow SHPO staff.

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Summary

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Created by NJ AI Assistant (GPT-4o) and edited by NJHPO staff.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner el_class=”hpo-callout-text”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”hpo-intro-paragraph”]This clarification provides guidance on how to list locomotives and other rolling stock, like train cars, on the National Register of Historic Places. It focuses on ensuring these resources are in appropriate settings that reflect their historical significance. For locomotives to be listed, they must either have been part of important events or display significant engineering and design.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]A key point is that locomotives don’t always need to be in their original locations, especially if they are listed for their design. However, if a locomotive’s history is tied to a particular place, like where it was used or built, its location becomes more important. NPS explains that settings should be related to railroads, like on tracks or in rail-related buildings, but not in places that make them seem like museum objects.

The clarification addresses the challenges of preserving locomotives. Sometimes, they need protective structures like sheds or fences to prevent damage or vandalism. These structures should be designed to minimize the museum-like appearance, keeping the focus on the locomotive’s role in rail history.

It also mentions that some locomotives have been listed in settings that don’t meet current guidelines. This doesn’t mean they will be removed, but it prompts the need for clearer rules. The document draws on guidance from similar resources like historic aircraft and vessels to clarify what constitutes an appropriate setting for locomotives. It stresses that settings shouldn’t be artificially created to mimic a historic rail environment, as this can give a false sense of history.

Overall, the goal is to preserve the historical integrity of locomotives while allowing for practical considerations in their upkeep. When siting or interpreting these locomotives, avoid presenting them in an overly museum-like manner.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section el_id=”end-spacer”][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”4vw”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]