--- title: Ten Principles of Historic Property Preservation description: A quick review of the ten principles of preserving historic properties with some brief insight from an insurance and risk management perspective image: https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/hs-fs/file-414620827-jpg/images/Historic_Home_Alexandria.jpg --- - [** ](https://twitter.com/clarkesampson) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarke-%26-sampson-inc) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/clarkeandsampson) [**703-683-6601](tel:17036836601) [     Client Portal](https://portal.csr24.com/mvc/6601690) [![clarke&sampson](https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/hubfs/Clarkeandsampson_November2018%20Theme/images/logo.png "clarke&sampson")](http://www.clarkeandsampson.com/) - [** ](https://twitter.com/clarkesampson) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarke-%26-sampson-inc) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/clarkeandsampson) [**703-683-6601](tel:17036836601) [     Client Portal](https://portal.csr24.com/mvc/6601690) # Clarke & Sampson Blog # Ten Principles of Historic Property Preservation Scott Jefferson | Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Share | Facebook Twitter [Email ](mailto:?body=https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/blog/ten-principles-of-historic-property-preservation) ![Historic_Home_Alexandria](https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/hs-fs/file-414620827-jpg/images/Historic_Home_Alexandria.jpg?width=108&height=144&name=Historic_Home_Alexandria.jpg)In the 1989 issue of *Historic Preservation*, Susan Morse described what she called, "The Do's and Don'ts" for those who have invested their time and resources into restoring historic properties. The list that she compiled is still widely circulated and regularly cited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. While the list was intended for owners of historic properties, it is also relevant to our work as insurers of historic properties. We'd like to share the ten principles with you, and add some helpful guidance from an insurance and risk management perspective.   Here are the ten principals as Morse originally described:  1. Make every effort to use the property for it's intended purpose. 2. Do not alter or destroy distinctive original features. 3. Recognize all buildings as products of their own time. 4. Recognize and respect all changes that have taken place over time. 5. Treat sensitively distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftwork. 6. Repair rather than replace worn architectural features when possible. When replacement is necessary, new materials should match the old design, composition, and color. 7. Clean facades using the gentlest methods possible. 8. Protect and preserve affected archeological resources. 9. Compatible contemporary alterations are acceptable if they do not destroy significant historical or architectural fabric. 10. Build new additions so they can be removed without impairing the underlying structure. From an insurance and risk management perspective, perhaps the most important deduction is that, in order to adhere to these principals, you must work with contractors, architects, alarm companies, designers, and insurers that also adhere to Morse's principles. For example, there are very few insurance carriers that are capable of insuring historic property in accordance with the Morse principals. Knowing how difficult it can be to find the right person for the job, keep this list as a reference. While interviewing a contractor, insurance agent, or architects, ask questions about their skills, techniques, and expertise. Be sure that their approach aligns with the Morse principles. It's a simple step that can preserve the integrity of your historic property. Since 1946, Clarke & Sampson has been an expert resource on historic property replacement valuation, property insurance underwriting, risk management, and personal insurance brokerage.   [![Free Historic Home Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/289889/9b9a7c51-bedf-4b28-9d60-85dabae7cf79.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/289889/9b9a7c51-bedf-4b28-9d60-85dabae7cf79) Share | Facebook Twitter [Email ](mailto:?body=https://blog.clarkeandsampson.com/blog/ten-principles-of-historic-property-preservation) #### Contact Clarke & Sampson, Inc Office: 703-683-6601 Fax: 703-739-8967 228 S.Washington St. Ste. 200 Alexandria, VA 22314 [Send an Email](mailto:sjefferson@clarkeandsampson.com) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/clarkeandsampson) - [** ](https://twitter.com/clarkesampson) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarke-%26-sampson-inc) The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed and produced by Agency Revolution to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. Agency Revolution is not affiliated with the named representative, broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2018 Agency Revolution. 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