Manager (included with most Microso
Oce Suites).
- Insert photos on the standard 8-1/2”x11”
photo continuation sheet at the end of the
nomination form.
- Orient photos so that the top of the image
is aligned with the top of the page.
- For each photo, place the caption,
including the photo number, at the bottom
of the each image.
- Please submit only those photos that will
copy well in black-and-white print.
Tips for Writing Better Nominations
Writing a good National Register nomination is not
necessarily dicult, but the task does require attention
to detail. e following tips may not be applicable in
every situation, but do apply to most properties.
General Tips:
• Complete all form blanks, including the
“nomination” and level of signicance and
Criterion blanks on the rst page. Enter “0” or
“N/A” as appropriate.
• Use correct architectural terminology (many
architectural dictionaries are available).
• Provide citations for all quotes and sources in an
appropriate and consistently-applied format.
• Use topic headings to organize the narrative.
• Avoid repetition and be as direct as possible.
• Be sure that the number and type of resources
noted in the form are consistent in name, type,
and number throughout the document and
appendices.
• Cite the source(s) consulted to determine the
construction date.
• Avoid long quotes unless they are very important
to help explain the history and importance of the
property.
• When using quotes, state who is quoted and why
what they say is important (Example: In Space,
Style, and Structure: Building in Northwest
America, architect Philip Dole explains…)
While any consistently applied academic citation
method is acceptable, the National Park Service prefers
footnotes, the academic standard for history. Footnotes
provide the essential publication information without
cluttering the text, and are an easy way to clarify a
point, cite a fact, or tell a brief side-story without
distracting the reader. e SHPO recommends using
the 16th edition of e Chicago Manual of Style (2010)
or the 5th edition of Turabian’s Manual for Writers
(2007) as guidance for footnotes and the bibliography.
Section 7:
Section 7 is the narrative architectural description
and includes three parts. e rst part is the National
Register form that asks to preparer to complete blanks
using only the architectural styles, materials, etc.
provided in National Register Bulletin 16, “How to
Complete the National Register Registration Form.”
e second part is the written “Summary Paragraph,”
and the third is the “Narrative Description.” e tips
below describe how to successfully write an accurate
architectural description.
Summary Paragraph
• In a single brief paragraph, summarize the
appearance of the nominated property. Begin by
describing the location, setting, site and orientation
of nominated property(ies), and continue to
describe, as applicable, the form, height, footprint,
roof style, construction method, windows and
doors, and materials (siding, roong, foundation,
etc.). Note the style or type and construction date;
and cite the archival source for the building date.
Also, briey describe notable exterior features.
Aer describing the exterior, begin the discussion
of the interior by noting the number, type, and
arrangement of rooms and nishes. Follow with
brief descriptions of secondary buildings on the
site, such as barns, garages, etc., and end with a
summary of alterations to the resource(s).
Section 7 - Narrative
Location and Setting
• As appropriate, include a paragraph that describes
in further detail the general location and
Writing a National Register Nomination 9