America celebrated the 50th anniversaryof the National Historic Preservation Act in 2016The National Historic Preservation Act shaped much of what we know about historic preservation today, it created the National Register of Historic Places, State Historic Preservation Offices, Section 106 Review Process, and more. These tools have allowed us to protect historic structures and landscapes from destruction, develop financial incentives, and protect the past to enhance the future.
Since the NHPA’s creation, society has shifted. What we perceive as history is inclusive of diverse perspectives and time frames. Technology has advanced and we can now use lasers and drones to document buildings. Additional laws have been passed such as the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act, ensuring that artifacts unlawfully acquired must be returned to their original owners. Historic tax credits have been created to provide financial incentives
As American communities continue to evolve, we need to ensure that resources for historic preservation advocates reflect the changing tides. Historic Preservation: An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practicehas become a fundamental book in understanding historic preservation. Since its 2nd edition was published in 2009, there have been controversial preservation issues (ex: Confederate monument removal), climate concerns (ex: rising water levels), the invention of new building materials, and other problems/positive developments.
Authors Norm Tyler, Ilene Tyler, and Ted Ligibel recognized the growing need to write a third edition of the text and invited me to be a contributor. Myr involvement with the Young Ohio Preservationists, Rust Belt Coalition of YPs, founding of the Tiny Jane Project, in addition consulting work to represents a contemporary viewpoint of how elements of the past can benefit communities. I loved the collaborative process of writing the third edition of Historic Preservation: An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practice, and look forward to seeing it in print.
Look for future updates on the book and its release on my blog and social media accounts.