Montana Historical Society

Big Sky. Big Land. Big History.

Montana SHPO Forms and File Transfer

FORMS, INSTRUCTIONS, AND GUIDELINES

Explore the tabs below to find guidelines, instructions, and forms for recording and transferring cultural resource and historic site data and inventory reports to and from Montana SHPO.

!! Important Updates !!

As of July 1st, 2022. The Montana SHPO has increased the file search request fee to $35/section. 

We have also New Site Forms! Please use our new forms when creating new site records.

IMPORTANT! July 1st, 2022 Fee increase to $35/section

Please review our Digital Data Use Agreement current FEE SCHEDULE for file searches and data requests. The data use agreement must be completed for each individual within an organization, institution, or agency that is requesting digital data from the Montana SHPO. Site, Inventory, and GIS files will not be given out until this has been received. 

Completed forms should be emailed to Damon Murdo (dmurdo@mt.gov). 

Request a File Search (RF): 

The Montana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) provides a record search service for those needing information regarding previously recorded cultural resources and inventories. To request a file search simply fill out the Request Form, attach a map of the area of potential effect (APE), and then email to the address on the form.

Request Cultural Resource Data (RD): 


 

Consulting with Montana SHPO:

  • Montana SHPO’s Consultation Guidelines and Procedures (HTML)
  • Checklist: What to Submit for Consultation (PDF)

Submit Data (SD), e.g, inventory reports, GIS, site records:

  • Report Submittal Form (aka CRABS Form) (Word) (PDF)
  • Instructions and Coding Guide for Report Submittal Form (PDF)
  • Submitting files to SHPO: Instructions (PDF)

SUBMIT FILES TO SHPO

(Instructions for submitting files)
*Note: State of Montana File Transfer Service account required.

Obtaining a Smithsonian Number:

  • Smithsonian Instructions (PDF)

Cultural Site Records:

  • CSR-Update Form (Word) NEW Form
  • Site Update Guidance (PDF) 
  • Creating a KMZ (PDF)

Isolated Finds:

Paleontological Information:

Stone Circles:

Architecture/Engineering Record: 

  • AER Form (Word) NEW Form
  • AER Types List (PDF)
  • AER Instructions (PDF) 

National Register Nominations and Property Research:

  • NRN Form (PDF)
  • Montana Property Research Guide (PDF)
  • How to complete National Register Forms (NPS.gov)
Submit Files to SHPO
Pay an Invoice
(SHPO-issued invoice number required)
Search Public Database
(Public access is limited to general information)
CONTACT

Damon Murdo (dmurdo @mt.gov)
Cultural Records and Data Manager
(406) 444-7767

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225 North Roberts, P.O. Box 201201, Helena, MT 59620-1201, 406-444-2694, 406-444-2696 (fax)