Historic buildings play a special role in creating the distinctive character of each and every community. Their essential legacy of cultural, educational, recreational, aesthetic, social, and environmental benefits must be preserved for present and future generations. The Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation's professionally trained staff works in the public's interest to preserve and restore these buildings so they can enhance and enrich our environment and, thus, our lives.

Historic preservation does more than just communicate the past. By saving an important part of our heritage, the Division of Historic Preservation energizes Louisiana's cultural economy. We help local craftsmen, artists, and lovers of history find places to live, work, and play. Although we strive to preserve the best examples of our state's architecture, we also focus upon buildings representing the forces that shaped Louisiana's history and culture. Thus, we help the tourism industry provide destinations for out-of-state visitors who wish to enjoy the unique Louisiana experience. To make these things happen, we actively assist property owners to apply for National Register status and qualify for the federal and state tax incentives that often make the restoration of historic buildings possible. We also devise strategies to rejuvenate downtown commercial districts through our Main Street program.