MN SHPO's Survey Manuals and Guidelines

^{Page updated August 2025}

Historic properties are tangible links to our past and allow us to better understand and learn from our shared history. The methodology related to the survey and identification of the state’s resources is determined by the type of resource.

General Guidance

• Guidance for Literature Review and Background Research (PDF)
• Historic Property Research for Everyone (PDF)

Archaeological Resources

• Archaeology Survey Manual (PDF)
• Phase Ia and Archaeological Assessment Guidance (PDF)
• How to Submit an Archaeology Report (PDF)

Direct questions about below ground survey to DataRequestSHPO@state.mn.us.

Architecture-History Resources

• Historic and Architectural Survey Manual (PDF)
• The Components of a Historic Context (PDF)
• Guidelines for Inventory and Evaluation of Railroads in Minnesota (PDF)
• General Information for Railroads (PDF)

Direct questions about above ground survey to MnSHIPHelp.ADM@state.mn.us.

MnSHIP

• MnSHIP User Guide
• MnSHIP Application
• MnSHIP Attachment Template (Word)
• Help videos are available on the SHPO's MnSHIP YouTube Channel

Direct questions about MnSHIP to mnshiphelp.adm@state.mn.us.

OSA Portal

• The OSA Portal User Guide (forthcoming from OSA)
• OSA Portal Application
• SHPO's Fields in the OSA Portal (PDF)

Direct questions about SHPO’s Fields and information in the OSA Portal to DataRequestSHPO@state.mn.us. Direct questions about the OSA Portal generally to OSA.Portal.ADM@state.mn.us.