The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966[1]​ (in English, National Historic Preservation Act; Public Law 89-665) is a law of the United States intended to preserve the country's historic and archaeological sites. The act created the National Register of Historic Places, the National Historic Landmarks list, and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Advisory Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP).

Passed as Senate Bill 3035, the National Historic Preservation Act was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson and signed into law on October 15, 1966,[2] and is the most far-reaching preservation legislation ever enacted in the United States. Since then several modifications have been introduced. Among other things, the law requires that federal agencies charged with evaluating the impact of all federal funds or authorized projects on historic properties (buildings, archaeological sites, etc.) must do so through a process known as Section 106 Review.[3]​.

Meeting four times a year, the Historic Preservation Advisory Council consists of twenty members from the public and private sectors, with the "head" generally appointed by the president.[4]​

The Council's role is to advise the President and Congress on historic preservation matters to develop federal agency conflict management policies and guidelines and to participate in the Section 106 Review process.[5]​.

The National Register of Historic Places, overseen by the National Park Service, is the official list of districts, places, buildings, structures and objects worthy of preservation.[6]​ To be eligible for inclusion in the National Register a property must meet one of four criteria and have sufficient integrity. The fact that a property is listed on or is eligible for listing on the National Register does not mean that those structures will be damaged or could be destroyed. Although it does prevent it, however, these approved properties qualify for grants, loans and tax incentives.[7]​.