A Bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior, the mission of the National Park Service is to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of both natural and cultural resource conservation as well as outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. Two of the guiding principles to achieve this mission are to educate park visitors and the general public about their history and common heritage, and to share technical information and expertise with public and private sectors alike.

NCCR, the National Center for Cultural Resources, provides interdisciplinary guidance and research to those involved or interested in heritage preservation and cultural resources. NCCR publishes a number of items to help distribute cultural resource information including the award winning Common Ground magazine, CRM Journal (published from 2003 to 2011), and the electronic newsletter, Heritage News. Additionally, NCCR components offer a wide variety of services, funding programs, and training initiatives while administering projects, properties and programs to assist with the preservation of this nation's cultural heritage.

Heritage Preservation Services (HPS) is an outreach program within NCCR. Located in Washington, D.C., its diverse partners include State Historic Preservation Offices, local governments, tribal governments, federal agencies, institutes of higher learning and non-profit organizations.

Technical Preservation Services (TPS) a branch within NCCR develops national standards and guidelines for preserving, rehabilitating, and restoring historic buildings and landscapes; offers ongoing technical assistance through its conferences and workshops in addition to administering a number of preservation programs, including the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program.

Resources

The National Center for Cultural Resources consists of:

Additional Cultural Resource Programs within NCCR not directly affiliated with the WBDG include: