NHCORs

NHCORs, or National Historic Civil Rights Organizations and Events, are designated by the United States government to recognize and preserve sites, events, and individuals significant to the struggle for civil rights in the United States. These designations are made through the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Park Foundation (NPF).

The program began in 1996 with the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1996. The purpose of NHCORs is to identify, protect, and interpret the history of the civil rights movement. This includes both physical sites, such as buildings and landmarks, and intangible sites, such as events and individuals.

NHCORs are chosen based on their historical significance, educational value, and the potential for public interpretation. The NPS and NPF work with local communities, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to identify and nominate sites for designation. Once designated, NHCORs receive technical and financial assistance to preserve and interpret their history.

The designation of NHCORs is not a form of federal ownership or control. Instead, it is a recognition of the historical significance of the site, which encourages local communities to take an active role in preserving and interpreting their history. NHCORs are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and are eligible for federal preservation grants and other forms of assistance.

Examples of NHCORs include the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the Freedom Rides National Historical Park, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. These sites are significant not only for their role in the civil rights movement but also for their ongoing impact on American society.