HABS/HAER/HALS

HABS (Historic American Buildings Survey), HAER (Historic American Engineering Record), and HALS (Historic American Landscape Survey) are federally funded programs that document America's historic structures, engineering works, and landscapes. They create detailed records—including photographs, drawings, and historical reports—that preserve a site's significance. These records are used for research, preservation planning, and public education, ensuring that important parts of history are accessible and protected for future generations. Each program focuses on different types of historic resources, working together to provide a comprehensive national archive of America's architectural and engineering heritage.