Historic Landmark Committee

Awarding the famous "Blue Plaques" every year, the Historic Landmark Committee honors structures of architectural or historic significance throughout Santa Cruz County. The awards highlight historic structures, educate the public, and provide visibility for successful preservation.

Nominations are open all year and anyone can submit their favorite house or structure using the form below. The nominations are then reviewed by the committee comprised of MAH staff and knowledgeable volunteers. Plaques are awarded throughout quarterly, with one ceremony for all recipients each May during National Historic Preservation Month.

For each proposed plaque, a written nomination form must be submitted with documentation for review and approval by the committee. Historic Landmark designation by MAH is purely honorary and has no legal implications. The MAH authorizes the plaques which are paid for by the owner.

Criteria for MAH Historic Landmark Blue Plaques are:

• Structure is located within Santa Cruz County.
• Structure is at least 50 years old.
• Structure is deemed to be of historic and/or architectural significance, i.e., is associated with a person, organization, business, or social/cultural event of local, state, or national significance, and/or represents an architectural style or type that is either typical or unusual in Santa Cruz County.
• Structure reflects overall architectural integrity (not necessarily unaltered, but any significant changes should reflect either historic additions or sensitivity to the original style).
• Structure is in reasonably good physical condition. (It need not be meticulously restored, but should be well maintained and reflect pride of ownership).
• Adequate documentation has been provided.

And in addition:

• Owner of the property consents to the Historic Landmark award.
• Owner agrees to display the plaque in a location that can be seen by the public, either outdoors or in a publicly accessible indoor space.

Nominate Your Building

Please provide the following information about your building:

A written explanation of the historical and/or architectural significance of your building. Local libraries (including the MAH Library, public libraries, and the UCSC Library) and the County Recorder’s Office can help you document your building. Also available is Every Structure Tells a Story, a helpful tool available at the MAH Store. With your completed form, please attach documentation and photographs of the building.

Submit your completed nomination form to the MAH, attn Marla Novo, with copies of all documentation, and include a photograph of your structure. The Historic Landmark Committee will review your application.

You will be notified of the committee’s action. If your nomination form and proposed plaque wording have been approved, we will send you a Letter of Authorization, which will enable us to order the plaque. The cost of the plaque is $200.00.

For further information, contact Marla Novo, at (831) 429-1964 ext. 7019 or email marla@santacruzmah.org.

For each proposed plaque, a written nomination form must be submitted with documentation for review and approval by the committee. Historic Landmark designation by MAH is purely honorary and has no legal implications. The MAH authorizes the plaques which are paid for by the owner.