Preservation Magazine

In July 2026, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) advanced a sweeping and damaging proposal to rewrite the regulations for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Section 106 Success Story: Milwaukee Soldiers Home (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) During the Civil War, a group of women in Milwaukee organized a temporary home where returning soldiers could receive meals and medical care. Their efforts raised more than $100,000 and helped inspire the creation of a permanent veterans' home.

Section 106 Success Story: Chicago’s North Main Line (Chicago, Illinois) The elevated North Main Line opened in 1900, creating a 7.5-mile transit route to the North Side of Chicago. Today the CTA operates the line, which is part of the city’s “L” system. It sits above historic neighborhoods and streets on tracks made of steel, some of which use technology from the 1880s. In 2012, it was determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The public raised concerns that the historic terminal would be isolated from its airfield context, and that no use for the historic building was identified as part of the plan, nor was there a funding commitment for rehabilitation of the site. To move forward with its proposal, the Port Authority needed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve a change to the airport’s Airport Layout Plan.

photo by: NPS/Kelsey Graczyk East Wing Modernization Breaking News Administration files emergency application to the Supreme Court. The White House is more than a residence or workplace. It is a National Historic Landmark and National Park, owned by the American people and stewarded by the National Park Service. Home to every U.S. president since 1800, it is perhaps the most significant historic site in the country.

The first time Cristina Kahlo—great grandniece of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera—entered a dark room she was 11 years old. Previously forbidden to enter because of the chemicals, she was surprised by an invitation from her father Antonio Kahlo to help print some photographs. In a lecture for the Edith Farnsworth House (a National Trust Historic Site), Kahlo described how “the image started to appear very, very slowly as if magic.

This August 12 webinar covered implications and technical complexities of the proposed changes to the regulations for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Download the slides (PDF) Speakers Rob Nieweg, Senior Vice President for Preservation Initiatives, National Trust for Historic Preservation Shaw Sprague, Vice President for Government Relations, Government Relations Betsy Merritt, Deputy General Counsel, National Trust for Historic Preservation

The last few weeks have brought movement on challenges to proposed changes to various D.C. Civic Landmarks. Here is a quick roundup on this activity and more information on where you can learn more. The White House On August 7, 2026, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the District Court’s preliminary injunction which, although stayed for 14-days, blocks above-ground construction on the Ballroom unless and until Congress takes action.

Most people grew up seeing Mike Brady (the Brady Bunch) or Ted Mosby (How I Met Your Mother) leaning over a drafting table, drawing new buildings, and think that this is what architects do. While these TV portrayals provide a basic idea of an architect’s job, they also lead to some misconceptions. This is especially true for architects who work on historic buildings.

photo by: Priya Chhaya 4 Issues of Importance to Historic Preservation Right Now More: Action Center By: National Trust for Historic Preservation With Congress heading into recess, the month of August presents a powerful opportunity for preservation advocates to make an impact at the local level. While lawmakers are back in their home districts, now is the time to engage directly, build relationships, and elevate the importance of historic preservation in your community.