Course Description
Events influencing the evolution of historic preservation theory, and contemporary application of this theory. Content includes: the work of Ruskin and Viollet-le-Duc; American preservation achievements, such as Mount Vernon, the National Trust and national legislation; and the structures which define current preservation practice, including the roles of governments, societies, etc.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
All students are required to complete numerous seminar
readings, participate in class discussions, and complete a
minimum of six assignments and craft a final paper. Graduate
students will be further required to lead two seminar
discussions, craft a case-study through more extensive
research, and an additional mid-term paper.
Athena Title
Prin and Pract of Hist Preserv
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Knowledge: - of how the field of historic preservation has evolved during the past two centuries - of the major tools used in preservation practice, within the U.S., especially those associated with the National Historic Preservation Act (e.g., National Register of Historic Places) - of the roles played by various entities within current preservation practice, including the role of: federal, state and local governments; non-profit and advocacy groups, at national, state and local levels; and professionals and individuals Skills: - to define conceptual frameworks within which to "identify, evaluate and manage" cultural resources Values: - appreciate the relationship between historic preservation and broader historical and social themes
Topical Outline
The Principles and Practices course introduces the student to the field of Historic Preservation, first through a survey of influential moments in the movement’s history which have provided a theoretical context, and second through an examination of current practice in the United States. theory: The historical evolution of the field of historic preservation and the emergence of guiding principles; reference will be made to key events and documents, including: - E. E. Viollet-le-Duc and the value of the monument’s’ "design intent"; establishment of a state preservation bureaucracy in France - J. Ruskin and the value of the monument’s "fabric"; W. Morris and SPAB; Britain’s National Trust - Mount Vernon as ‘historic site’, and the establishment of regional preservation societies (e.g., APVA 1889 and SPNEA 1910) - National Park Service; HABS and CCC projects - Colonial Williamsburg, and the American tradition of private patrons of historic preservation - National Trust for Historic Preservation, established 1949; public interest and advocacy in historic preservation - National Historic Preservation Act – 1966; tools and common vocabulary for historic preservation movement within the United States - World Heritage Convention and the idea of "outstanding universal value"; the Nara Document and an ever-expanding definition of "cultural resource" practice: A broad perspective on contemporary preservation practice, including reference to key ‘tools’ used to evaluate and manage cultural resources, and to the roles played by different entities in the field; this may include: (tools) - the National Historic Preservation Act, and pursuant regulations and amendments - evaluation mechanisms (National Register of Historic Properties) - management mechanisms ( Section 106) - management mechanisms ( Secretary of Interior’s Standards) - management mechanisms (tax incentives ) - State authority / legislation / programs; delegation of authority to local community (roles) - government: federal government (various programs); State government (SHPO, etc.); local government (Historic Preservation Commission) - non-profits: National Trust and other national groups; regional and state organizations; local organizations - individuals (property owners, preservation professionals)