The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office: SHPO, a division of Arizona State Parks, assists private citizens, private institutions, local governments, tribes, and state and federal agencies in the identification, evaluation, protection, and enhancement of historic and archaeological properties that have significance for local communities, the State of Arizona, or the Nation. The role and function of the SHPO is defined in both state law (Arizona Historic Preservation Act) and federal law (National Historic Preservation Act, as amended). Activities of the SHPO include:
The 2011 Arizona Historic Preservation Conference is being held in Tucson, June 22nd - 24th, 2011. The conference, themed "Valuing Historic Perspectives," will bring together preservationists from around the state to exchange ideas and success stories. For updates and registration information visit the conference website at AZPreservation.com. (External Link)
Centennial Milestone: Help preserve history by helping with the Inventory of Arizona Historic Cemeteries (IAHC). Learn More
New update of Historic Preservation Plan describes principles that guide the activities of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Learn More
The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation's official listing of prehistoric and historic properties worthy of preservation. Learn More
Do you have an interest in archaeology? Would you like to help preserve archaeological sites around the State? Learn More
Read an article that introduces some of the events and people that shaped Arizona's past. Learn More
Governor's Archaeology Advisory Commission
Awards in Public Archaeology presented by GAAC
Local Government Assistance
Public Preservation Programs
National Register of Historic Places
Survey and Planning
Tax Incentives and Grant Programs
State Historic Property Tax Reclassification (SPT) for Owner-Occupied Homes
Review and Compliance
Arizona Site Stewards Program
Historic Sites Review Committee
Archaeological Site Etiquette
Inventory of Arizona Historic Cemeteries (IAHC)
Publications
Links to Related Sites
Introduction to Arizona's Cultural History
2009 Archaeology Expo Photo Wrap-Up Gallery
2010 Arizona Archaeology & Heritage Awareness Month
SHPO Staff
Historic preservation is the identification, management, and protection of tangible elements from the past for future generations. It is the history that we can see and experience. As we move into the future with the explosion of new technologies, historic preservation provides an anchor to our past. Historic preservation encourages the protection of historic and archaeological resources that are associated with important past events, themes, and people; that are representative of periods and types of architecture, possess high artistic value; or that are likely to yield valuable information about the past. Historic preservation helps us to know who we are by teaching us about where we came from.
The Arizona Preservation Foundation, Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, Arizona Department of Commerce and the City of Tucson invite you to join them at the 9th Annual Arizona Historic Preservation Conference. This year’s conference, "Valuing Historic Perspectives," is being held in Tucson, June 22nd - 24th, 2011. The goal of the Conference is to bring together preservationists from around the state to exchange ideas and success stories, to share perspectives and solutions to preservation issues and to foster cooperation between the diverse Arizona preservation communities. For updates and registration information visit the conference website at www.azpreservation.com 
The Governor's Archaeology Advisory Commission (Commission) sponsors annual "Awards in Public Archaeology." The Commission is a statutory board that advises the State Historic Preservation Officer on issues of relevance to Arizona archaeology. The Awards are presented to individuals, organizations, and/or programs that have significantly contributed to the protection and preservation of, and education about, Arizona's non-renewable archaeological resources.
These awards can include the following categories of individuals or organizations that are worthy of recognition for their public service/education endeavors: 1) professional archaeologists, 2) avocational archaeologists, 3) Site Stewards, 4) Tribes, 5) private, non-profit entities, 6) government agencies, and 7) private or industrial development entities. In addition, the Commission would like to make an award to an individual for special or lifetime achievement.
The most recent awards were presented at 8th Annual Arizona Statewide Historic Preservation Partnership Conference held in Flagstaff, May 13-14, 2010. The Theme of this year's conference was Preservation at a Higher Elevation.
See 2010 Winners 
See List of Winners since 1988
Download Award Criteria and Nomination Form (
86 KB PDF)
For the entire month of March 2010, the ASP State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is coordinating activities throughout the state for the 27th anniversary celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month. These events will focus on current efforts to preserve our past by protecting our fragile and non-renewable cultural resources. Museums, historical societies, tribes, agencies, parks, and archaeology organizations will be hosting events across the state; many of the events are planned in Arizona State Parks as part of their interpretive programs. See March 2010 Event Calendar.
Proclaimed by the Governor each year, this celebration will feature prehistoric and historic site tours, exhibits, hikes, open houses, lectures, demonstrations and other activities throughout Arizona. Online calendar of events will be posted soon or see Photo Wrap-Up Gallery from 2009 Archaeology Expo.
The SHPO staff represents various areas of expertise, including prehistoric and historic archaeology, historical architecture, history, architectural history, and grants management. Comments or questions please contact:
SHPO Administrative Assistant
Arizona State Parks
1300 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-4009 or see SHPO Staff directory
Top of Page 
Awards in Public Archaeology
The activity that is the subject of this website has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions do not reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior.
This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240.
[Skip] Home Find a Park Arizona Map Fee Schedule
