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 helps us to know who we are by teaching us about where we came from. Arizona's historic and archaeological resources are tangible reminders of the people and events that molded our state. Arizona's archaeological sites hold the clues to 12,000 years of culture, land use, settlement, and exploration.
Historic buildings provide character and a sense of continuity for our communities.
Arizona's unique historic and archeological resources attract tourists from all over the world. Reuse of existing historic residences and commercial properties conserves energy and materials and is less expensive than building new structures. Historic preservation helps to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods and business districts. The SHPO staff represents various areas of expertise, including prehistoric and historic archaeology, historical architecture, history, architectural history, and grants management. The staff provides service and conducts activities in the following program areas.