G2G: Is there a template for NRHP digital database links?

Question

Is there an exising source template to call an element from the National Register of Historical Places Inventory? If not should there be one?

The NRHP's digital asset management system is run by the National Park Service and similar to Find-A-Grave can be linked or called by a unique ID number.

So a simple (no images, no frills, no extra verbage) template like {{FindAGrave|XXXXX}} could be designed to link to a digital asset, such as, for example:

{{NationalRegisterHistoricPlaces|XXXXX}} to link to:

https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/78000975

Answer 1

We focus on profiles of people, so where would this be used? Space pages? Is it to be used as a source (if so, an entire citation would be appropriate)? We don't need such a thing for category pages because links work wonderfully. As a data doctor, even the simple Find a Grave template is quite often entered incorrectly, with all sorts of "made up" parameters, extra information, etc. So, why add a template when a link will work beautifully? Just curious.

Comments

National Register of Historic Places documents can be useful sources in certain circumstances, such as when a building associated with a person is on the National Register or when the write-up for a National Register historic district discusses the role(s) of a person or family in the history of the place. As Natalie suggests, in these circumstances the citation should be specific to the content that's relevant to the person -- a National Register listing should not be treated like some sort of medal that's placed on a person's profile.

I think the Wikipedia has a link template for entries in the NRHP database, used mostly to document that the subject of the article is listed on the Register. In my experience, the database itself is seldom useful as an information source, but the documents produced to nominate a particular property for the Register or announce/publicize its Register listing may be helpful.

Answer 2

I feel that the places people lived and the buildings they are associated with are an important part of their lives, and whenever I come across a national register listing, I add a citation to their profile, whether or not there is any data about them in the listing.

Here is an example of a citation: * Records of the National Park Service, 1785 - 2006, Series: National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records, 2013 - 2017, File Unit: National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records: New York, Item: New York SP Mill House, https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75320688 , accessed 30 Sep 2021.

There is a category for the national register, here: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:National_Register_of_Historic_Places

Comments

It should be noted that the the National Park Service search site returns no result for the National Register ID for the example I provided a link for, which is listed as New York SP Mill House, with National Historic Places Register Reference Number 73001245.  It is found on the National Archives site.  That site doesn't return any search results for the National Register Number.  It is filed under the National Archives Identifier 75320688.  It does show up in a search of the NPS Searchable Table at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/database-research.htm#table

Interestingly the Archives site returns a search result for RL's example.  In my experience, the Park Service has a limited number of properties with digital files listed, and the National Archives site has more files, that are harder to find.

Answer 3

Thank you for bringing this source to everyone's attention. It can be a wealth of information about people associated with the historical place. I agree with comments that the entire citation should be used, but your example is a good method for adding the link within the citation.  This type of link is less likely to get broken over time, as the actual web page may be updated or changed.

You're a wonderful Wikitreer for sharing this with others.