From Historic Architecture to Cultural Heritage: A Journey Through Diversity, Identity, and Community

Excerpt:

"Many historic preservation practitioners undertake "mainstream" preservation work: they document historic buildings, nominate eligible properties for local, state, or national recognition, prepare preservation plans for a property's rehabilitation, and undertake studies of a building's materials. As a result, the public typically views historic preservation work as the protection of architectural landmarks that can be appreciated by owners, users, and the public.

Yet, architectural significance is not the only value that drives the historic preservation field. Other preservationists are investigating such topics as places where important events happened, landforms that reflect patterns of growth and development, archeological sites where no above ground remains survive, elements of a natural landscape that are held to be sacred by nearby cultural groups, and buildings and structures constructed by or re-formed by cultural groups in the recent past. With so many extant architectural landmarks available for study in cities, towns, suburban and rural areas, why should this second group exist at all?

History is a remarkably potent force not only in preservation, but other areas of human activity. History shapes national identity and allegiances. It determines the success or failure of revolutions and other dramatic transformations. It can inspire the young to take up arms to defend the nation. Most of all, history is malleable: it can be rewritten, rethought, reinterpreted, reinvigorated, and resuscitated to illuminate contemporary challenges."

Lee, Antoinette J., “From Historic Architecture to Cultural Heritage: A Journey Through Diversity, Identity, and Community,” Future Anterior Vol 1, No 2 (Fall 2004): 15-23.