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
Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite
LAND 1500 or LAND 1500E or LAND 2510 or LAND 2510E or LAND 2520 or LAND 2520E or HIPR 2000 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will have knowledge of how the field of historic preservation has evolved during the past two centuries.
Students will have knowledge 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).
Students will have knowledge 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.
Students will have the skills to define conceptual frameworks within which to "identify, evaluate and manage" cultural resources.
Students will 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)
