The Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is excited to introduce BuckeyePAST (Preservation Assets Support Tool). BuckeyePAST is a major initiative to modernize how Ohio collects, manages, and shares information about its archaeological, historical, and architectural resources.

BuckeyePAST will serve as Ohio’s next-generation Cultural Resource Information System, offering an integrated, user-friendly platform for preservation professionals, government agencies, researchers, and the public.

Why BuckeyePAST?

Ohio’s SHPO oversees a wide range of preservation programs—from Section 106 project reviews to the Ohio Historic Inventory (OHI), the Ohio Archaeological Inventory (OAI), the National Register of Historic Places, preservation tax credits, and state- and federal-level grants. Many of these programs currently rely on aging databases and tools that make it difficult to manage information or connect it to newer systems like our Online Mapping System (OMS).

BuckeyePAST will bring these functions together in one modern, secure, cloud-based system, helping SHPO work more efficiently while improving transparency and accessibility for partners and the public.

What BuckeyePAST Will Offer

BuckeyePAST is being developed as a comprehensive, cloud-hosted platform that will:

Streamline Preservation Projects

• Centralize the submission and review of Section 106 and tax credit projects
• Track project status, consultation workflows, and mitigation requirements
• Provide clear communication tools and auditable records of decisions

Modernize Resource Inventories

• Manage archaeological and historic architectural data in one system
• Integrate directly with GIS tools to show resources in their geographic context
• Support digital submissions of forms, documents, maps, and photos

Improve Public Access

• Offer public-facing search tools for select datasets
• Allow agencies and consultants to submit projects online
• Support accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) to ensure usability for all

Support Future Growth

• BuckeyePAST is designed to expand over time, with planned modules for:
  • National Register program tracking
  • Grant management
  • Certified Local Government (CLG) program management
  • Easements and covenants
  • SHPO administrative functions
• As additional funding becomes available, these modules will be added to further enhance statewide preservation tools.

A Powerful Tool for Preserving Ohio's Heritage

BuckeyePAST represents a transformational step forward for how Ohio documents its past and manages preservation activities. By creating a unified intuitive, and secure system, SHPO will better serve consulting parties, researchers, preservation partners, and the public—while ensuring that Ohio’s cultural resources are protected and understood for generations to come.

Project Status

The Ohio SHPO is excited to announce its partnership with RESPEC, a global leader in technology solutions. RESPEC brings extensive experience in building Cultural Resource Information Systems (CRIS) for State Historic Preservation Offices across the country, including New Mexico, Texas, and Idaho.

Together, the Ohio SHPO and RESPEC will begin development of BuckeyePAST in January 2026, with an anticipated launch in January 2027. As the project progresses, we will continue to share updates and insights.

Stay tuned for more information on this transformative new chapter in Ohio’s preservation technology.