Historic Preservation AMCV1550, Week 4

Movement’s beginnings Mount Vernon Ladies Association (1853) Designated National Historic Landmark 1960 – Role of women – Grassroots and private – Emphasis on patriotism – Site associated with figure of political importance

Why preserve? Historical, educational or archaeological significance Status Beauty Tangible benefits – tax breaks, property values Tourism Prevent change Retain community/cultural traditions

Charleston, SC, historic district

Colonial Williamsburg (John D. Rockefeller) – The Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg stretches over 301 acres, and includes 88 original 18th-century structures. Hundreds of houses, shops and public outbuildings are reconstructed on their original foundations. Some buildings are open to the public, while others are private residences and administrative offices. Greenfield Village (Henry Ford) Historic Deerfield

Heritage Society, Houston (Sam Houston Park) 4th Ward Cabin, 1866 Kellum-Noble House, 1847

National Legislation Protection against development Attempt to standardize local rules Consider impact on historical property important when evaluating projects Expression of national values Designation of status and worth

Antiquities Act, 1906 (U.S.) Empowered president to designate protected public lands of cultural value (including sites of archaeological or scientific value) Devil’s Tower first national monument named 1979 replaced by Archaeological Resources Protection Act

National Park Service Created 1916 to manage U.S. national monuments and parks (under Dept of the Interior) Dual role of conservation and tourism Natural parks; historic parks; National Trails; National Recreation Areas; National Preserves Nearly 400 sites

National Historic Preservation Act (1966) To preserve historical and archaeological sites: – The spirit and direction of the Nation are founded upon and reflected in its historic heritage Created National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Landmarks and state historic preservation offices Requires federal agencies to evaluate the impact of federally funded or permitted projects on historic properties (Section 106 review) National Register lists sites and districts worthy of preservation (overseen by NPS)

What’s significant? Age and Integrity: at least 50 yrs old and largely ‘intact’ Associated with significant – People, events, activities – Architecturally important – Potential to yield important Historical information through archaeological research Central Diner, Providence

Since 1992, also recognition of “traditional cultural property”: May require oral history or ethnographic research to identify “eligible for inclusion in the National Register because of its association with cultural practices or beliefs of a living community that (a) are rooted in that community's history, and (b) are important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity of the community. “

Watts Towers, Los Angeles (National Historic Landmark 1990) Navajo Nation Council Chamber, AZ (NHL 2004) U.S.S. Arizona shipwreck, HI (NHL 1989) Dupont Circle, DC, (National Historic District 1978)

Garden Bowl, Detroit City’s and country’s oldest continually operating bowling alley (1913) Listed on National Register in 2008 (NR application)NR application