Heritage Conservation in the United States: Enhancing the Presence of the Past

Heritage Conservation in the United States has grown significantly over the last 50 years, with the establishment of bureaucratic structures and official recognition programs. The book explores how sites associated with African American history challenged the conventions and criteria that governed American preservation practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Heritage Conservation in the United States takes a comprehensive look at the growth of the American historic preservation movement over the past 50 years, placing it within the broader context of the civil rights and environmental movements. The first generation of the New Preservation (1966-1991) marked a significant era, characterized by the establishment of the bureaucratic frameworks that continue to shape heritage conservation practices in the country. The National Register of Historic Places, which started with a mere thousand historic properties, has grown exponentially to encompass over 50,000 listings. Moreover, official recognition programs have expanded significantly, leading to the inclusion of sites that were previously overlooked or deemed insignificant in 1966 into the historic preservation planning process.

The book delves into the captivating story of how sites associated with African American history came to be officially recognized and valued, challenging the conventions and criteria that governed American preservation practice. It serves as a valuable resource for the historic preservation community and students engaged in the study of historic preservation, providing insights into the historical, social, and cultural dimensions of heritage conservation.

Through its detailed examination of the past and present, Heritage Conservation in the United States offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the field, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we strive to preserve and celebrate our shared heritage.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367429041