Historic preservation is the recognition of the value of the history of buildings, archeological areas, landmarks and more. Actions are undertaken to identify, protect and preserve this heritage by a core network of local, state and national preservation commissions and boards, formalized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. However, a wide range of people make successful preservation possible, including historic property owners, local historical societies, neighborhood and downtown associations, and more.

• Historic Preservation activities identify and protect community landmarks so that we all may enjoy them well into our future.
• Historic Preservation is the "green" choice by making good use of existing resources and keeping waste out of our landfills.
• Historic Preservation creates a sense of continuity and supports the cultural life of our city.
• For further explanation of these reasons and others, see websites such as Six Essential Reasons to Save Old Places | National Trust for Historic Preservation.

There are many old properties. Often, 50 years old is a good age to be considered historic. Some properties that are 50 years old and older, that retain most of their historical integrity, and/or represent a significant person or event in history, may be eligible for historic preservation recognition. This is an application process which begins with the National Register of Historic Places or through our commission. Not every historic property has applied for this recognition, nor has every old property maintained its historic integrity. There are many uses of the word "historic." Look in the Historic Properties pages of this website to see if your home is listed as a contributing property in the National Register and has received historic recognition.

National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service)

A list of approved historical properties can be found in the National Register of Historic Places Vermillion properties that are listed on the National Register, are archived on this website. A few properties have been listed individually. Several entire neighborhoods are listed as districts. For historic districts, National Register nominations identify resources within the listed boundary that are Contributing or Non-Contributing. Contributing resources were built within the historic period and retain enough historic features to add to the significance of the district overall. They might be eligible to apply for certain funding incentives for preservation work. Non-contributing resources are usually either built after the historic period or have had historic features substantially altered.

There are many old properties which have been cared for in a variety of ways. Thank you for looking after your old property. We appreciate your respect for your community and its history. Some properties that are 50 years old and older, that retain most of their historical integrity, and/or represent a significant person or event in history, may be eligible for historic preservation recognition. This is an application process which begins with the National Register of Historic Places or through our commission.

If your property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, some information is archived on this website. Click on the nomination form link on your district or individual listing property page. Description of the property can be found in the text of the nomination. Otherwise, personal research is your best option. You may look at the Clay County Register of Deeds, The Clay County Assessor's Office (Beacon real property information), the Austin-Whittemore House, W.H. Over Museum (Sanborn Fire Maps), Vermillion Public Library, USD library (early faculty address books), various online searches, and visits with neighbors.

This is an application process which begins with the National Register of Historic Places or through our commission.

The National Register program itself does not require owners to do anything particular. There are state and local guidelines applicable if your changes require a local permit. In Vermillion, permits are required on all properties for fences, windows, roofs, siding, signs, construction and demolition. Please see the City of Vermillion Form Center - Vermillion, SD - CivicEngage for the permit regulations and applications. The VHPC will review permits to recommend whether or not the proposed change will cause "...an adverse effect..." on the historic nature of the property. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: Rehabilitation as a Treatment and Standards for Rehabilitation (U.S. National Park Service) is an excellent resource when considering changes. If your property is in a historic district, only exterior changes are considered. If your property is individually listed, changes to primary interior spaces may be reviewed also. VHPC may send projects to the State Historic Preservation Office for review and comment as well. Also, if a project needs federal funding or permitting, that agency may go through a review to consider effects of the project on historic properties.

Yes. It is a balancing act to make some changes while preserving historical integrity but changes are allowed. Refer to The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: Rehabilitation as a Treatment and Standards for Rehabilitation (U.S. National Park Service) for reasonable alternatives. If your property is in a historic district, only exterior changes are reviewed. If your property is individually listed, interior and exterior changes need to preserve historical integrity as much as possible.

Yes, although a permit is required to do so in Vermillion. Once you apply for a permit, the commission will review the details and determine if there is an adverse effect on historic preservation. Unless egress is a requirement, try to preserve the original size and shape. If you have original windows, consult such websites as Preserving Historic Windows: Is It Possible, and Why Should We Care? | Worthpreserving and Why Preserving Your Old Wood Windows is the Green Choice - New Hampshire Preservation Alliance to find support for repairing and maintaining your windows.

Yes. Read about grants, tax moratoriums and other possibilities for funding at the South Dakota State Historical Society and FAQs - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service) Inquire about and apply for funds before you begin the work. Yes potentially. Properties eligible for the National Register, listed individually, or listed as Contributing in a historic district may be eligible to apply for preservation grants or tax incentives. Read about these and other possibilities for funding at the South Dakota State Historical Society and FAQs - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service). Each program will have specific requirements and timelines. Inquire about and apply for funds before you begin the work.

Be sure to have an honest conversation about what you want preserved with any tradespersons you hire to work on your house. Educate yourself on historical buildings. Refer to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties - Technical Preservation Services (U.S. National Park Service) for responsible possibilities. Due to liability, we are not able to make recommendations of tradespersons.

In Vermillion, permits are required on all properties for fences, windows, roofs, siding, signs, construction and demolition. Please see the City of Vermillion website Permits & Forms | Vermillion, SD for the permit regulations and applications. For properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the commission will review the permit to recommend whether or not the proposed change will cause "...an adverse effect..." on the historic nature of the property. Please see the Preservation Laws page of the South Dakota State Historical Society website for more information on local/state (SDCL 1-19A-11.1) and federal (NHPA Section 106) review processes.