National Park Service Preservation Briefs

Whether you’re restoring a Victorian-era home or updating a mid-century modern bungalow, the Preservation Briefs published by the National Park Service are among the most authoritative, time-tested resources available to preservationists, contractors, and homeowners.

What Are Preservation Briefs?

The Preservation Briefs are a series of technical documents that offer clear guidance on best practices for preserving, rehabilitating, and restoring historic buildings. Originally designed to support applicants for the Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program, the briefs now serve a much broader audience.

Each brief focuses on a particular topic—ranging from masonry repair and wood window restoration to appropriate paint removal methods, energy retrofits, and even maintaining historic signage or grave markers.

Why Should You Care?

If you’re a historic homeowner, these briefs can:

• Help prevent common mistakes like using abrasive cleaning methods on brick

• Guide you toward appropriate repairs that won’t damage the structure or devalue the home

• Ensure any restoration work is in keeping with the building’s original materials and character

• Help you qualify for historic tax credits when applicable

Featured Briefs Worth Exploring:

• Brief #2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings

• Brief #3: Improving Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings

• Brief #9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows

• Brief #17: Architectural Character—Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic Buildings

• Brief #47: Maintaining the Exterior of Small and Medium-Size Historic Buildings

Preservation Briefs are sold in sets through the U.S. Government Bookstore, but many are also available online as PDFs through the NPS website. For property owners, contractors, and even real estate professionals working in historic districts, these documents are indispensable.