Research at Minnesota SHPO

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The State Historic Preservation Office makes its inventory files available to researchers, historic preservation specialists, city/county planners, and others. This page provides an overview of what files are available and how to access them for research and literature reviews.

Record availability by type and location *Note that SHPO and OSA may have different survey reports available.

Architecture-History Inventory

Inventory forms, National Register nominations, and eligibility information for above-ground (architecture-history) properties are available in the MnSHIP application.

MnSHIP has some restricted resources (such as interdisciplinary properties which include architecture-history and archaeological components) for which the associated detailed information, records, and traditional forms are only available to qualified archaeologists by request. Instructions for requests can be found on the Using SHPO Files page. Please note that the boundaries for interdisciplinary properties as shown in MnSHIP may be generalized. Reference the documentation for an accurate boundary.

MnSHIP does not contain survey reports. Architecture-history reports are available by emailing DataRequestSHPO@state.mn.us. If the report has been digitized, a digital copy will be provided. If the report has not yet been digitized, you can schedule an appointment to visit the SHPO Office to access the report. A list of architecture-history report titles is maintained and periodically updated on SHPO’s website.

Archaeology Inventory

Visit the OSA Portal to access the archaeology inventory. The OSA Portal has a map of archaeological site geometry, archaeological site forms, and information about cemeteries and burials that are protected under the Private Cemeteries Act (Minnesota Statute 307.08). The updated OSA Portal launched in the summer of 2025 includes the “SHPO Fields,” which have information about an archaeological site’s eligibility, National Register of Historic Places status, State Register status, etc.

MnSHIP has some restricted information related to archaeological sites and/or districts, which SHPO maintains. Qualified archaeologists can request this information from SHPO. Please note that the boundaries for interdisciplinary properties as shown in MnSHIP may be generalized. Reference the documentation for an accurate boundary. In order to obtain information about archaeological or interdisciplinary districts email DataRequestSHPO@state.mn.us and include your proof of qualifications as an archaeologist by attaching your resume or CV.

SHPO also has approximately 10,000 archaeological reports, approximately 1,500 of which are in the OSA Portal. For more information on accessing archaeological reports, please visit the SHPO Using our Files page and the OSA Portal.

Note: Access to some archaeological and interdisciplinary information is limited to qualified archaeologists.