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National Register 'description' - outline

Goals: To examine how a written architectural description is organized. Introduction to NR 'description', database, NR form. (Other assignments relate the NR description to photography.) Note: NR nominations do not include a graphic (drawing) component.

Develop an outline for a National Register nomination 'description'.

1. Read Section 7. Description (especially the 'Narrative Description' section), "How to Complete the National Register Registration Form" (National Register Bulletin 16A), NPS.
2. Peruse the database at National Register Research. Use the test site, NPS Focus, which has 'focused' to date (Jan 09) on digitizing Kentucky, Utah, Washington DC, and others as noted in the National Register and HABS/HAER/HALS Programs assignment.
3. Select two NR nomations. Analyze their 'description'. Develop an outline of the 'description'
4. Compare the outlines and the Section 7. Description guidelines.
5. Provide a one-page critique, for example: why did you select these structures (which shoulld be different, and not too complex); did the 'descriptions' include historical information in addition to a technical architectural description; is the description somewhat dates (from the 1930s or 40s)?; etc.
6. Develop a model outline.
7. Hand in a printed copy of:
   1. the two NR 'descriptions' (not the entire NR nomination). Mark up as you wish.
   2. your one-page critique.
   3. your model outline.
   4. reference to the NR nominations and and other material (including the NR Bulletin, cited above).