Historic American Buildings Survey

The Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) is a United States agency established to document historic American architecture. Its primary goal is to assemble a national archive of historic American architecture. This initiative began as a way to preserve records of buildings that were significant to the nation's heritage. The survey involves detailed documentation, including photographs, drawings, and written reports, of historic structures across the country. This comprehensive approach ensures that valuable architectural information is preserved for future generations, even if the buildings themselves are altered or lost over time.1