INTRODUCTION
Even though historic preservation in the United States began about 1816 (to
save Independence hall in Philadelphia from demolition), professionalization
and mass interest did not begin until the 1960’s. Between these dates,
history preservation slowly developed. Beginning in the 1960s, the many facets
of the field of historic preservation have multiplied and deepened exponentially
with professional societies, university degree programs, governmental offices,
and professional journals. The Bicentennial Year 1976 then re-focused attention
upon our historical heritage. Projects that undertake the preservation of historical
sites, districts and monuments abound. They include such widespread projects
as whole towns being designated as historic sites, the restoration and recreation
of historic ships, and the proliferation of historic sites and house museums
in almost every community in America. Today, more Americans spend portions s
of their vacations visiting historical sites, homes and villages than all the
amusement parks combined! In some cities and regions, historic sites, villages,
and districts have become a big business and a “destination site”
for vacationers.
In many cases, professionals have restored the site accurately and furnished
it authentically, but the degree to which a historic site is professionally
and interpreted varies widely. Too many historic sites have been created and
maintained by those with no professional training and the results are often
not only disappointing, but a travesty to historical truth (note the chapters
in the assigned book by Donnelly). Some have no guide books, only a few “identification
labels”, and leave the visitor to wander about aimlessly, wondering what
it is that is supposed to be focused upon in this place. Others have stimulating
programs, mechanical devices and experts (often called “docents”)
to guide visitors. Usually, a well-done, professional job leaves a lasting impression
and stimulates further interest not only in the site itself, but also in the
historical period and geographical area it amplifies.
As your assigned reading will illustrate, there are many types of historic
sites, preserved for a variety of reasons (see the lists and types in the assigned
books by Tyler and Lowenthal.) The basic categories are sites preserved (1)
for architectural or aesthetic purpose (2) to commemorate specific historic
time and place. In this course, we will focus upon historic buildings or structures
that are rooted in a community’s history, that are of genuine historic
value, and are professionally or intentionally developed. These sites exhibit
or represent an element important to the history of an era, person, place or
thing. Use your background reading and this Course Guide material to guide you
in the selection of your historic site.
