preservation?

I started looking up National Historic Landmarks and Historical Society information this morning - and I'm overwhelmed.  There are of course, National, State, and local levels of historic preservation categories.

I live in a house built in 1890.  We are trying to restore it, within reason, to as close to original as possible.  (no, I'm not taking out the bathroom in favor of an outhouse, but I DO know where the outhouse used to be!)

There are applications, fees, picture requirements (which are extensive and at least a page long of instructions, restrictions, exceptions, and lots more "tions") and I am already exhausted.  

I've only been looking at this stuff for two hours.  Sheesh!!

There's the National Historic Landmarks site, and then there is the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office and now I'm off to research grants and Flora Macdonald.  

I'd like to apply for this house to be put on the historic map, if you will, as soon as possible.  In fact, I'm making it a goal to at least the the application rolling by September.