Preserving Integrity and Authenticity in the Public Display of Ruins

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dc.contributor.authorHassler, Darlene
dc.contributor.programMA in Historic Preservationen_US
dc.date.accessioned2016-03-31T16:30:44Z
dc.date.available2016-03-31T16:30:44Z
dc.date.issued2015
dc.description.abstractThis thesis research investigates how the public display of ruins affects their authenticity and integrity. People have long had a fascination with ruins and their ability to convey a sense of the past. For this reason, ruins are deemed worthy of preservation and placed on display for public enjoyment. However, in the process of public display, certain interventions to preserve ruins and make them safe and accessible to visitors may adversely affect the authenticity and integrity of the resources. Maintaining a high level of integrity and authenticity is valuable for the longevity of these resources and increases the public interest in them. Visitors enjoy knowing that ruins are original and authentic to the history that they convey. My thesis question is: In the public display of ruins, how and in what ways is it possible to preserve and protect integrity and authenticity of the physical remains, both above and below ground? Numerous resources, including English Heritage, the National Park Service, and the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Convention were consulted for this thesis research and analysis. These and other sources of authoritative literature from heritage tourism, preservation, and conservation experts provide the methods and analysis for my research. Seven case studies of ruins in the Mid-Atlantic region are also presented. These examples demonstrate the various ways in which ruins are preserved and interpreted to the public. By analyzing these case studies and developing a rating system I was able to develop my findings and recommendations. Primarily, the key to preserving authenticity and integrity in the public display of ruins is maintaining a balance between resource protection and visitor services. In the decision-making process, site managers must place emphasis upon the retention of authenticity and integrity. The value of the ruin’s authenticity and integrity must be acknowledged and understood as a quality that protects the overall significance of the historic site. Site management decisions based upon maintaining authenticity and integrity of the ruins will be successful in choosing appropriate treatment interventions and the placement of visitor services.en_US
dc.format.extent231 p.en_US
dc.genrethesesen_US
dc.identifierdoi:10.13016/M2VB30
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11603/2651
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.relation.isAvailableAtGoucher College, Baltimore, MD
dc.rightsTo view a complete copy of this thesis please contact Goucher College Special Collections & Archives at archives@goucher.edu or (410) 337-6075.
dc.subjectruinsen_US
dc.subjectintegrity and authenticity of ruinsen_US
dc.subjectpublic display of ruinsen_US
dc.subjectpreservation of ruinsen_US
dc.subjectarchaeology and ruinsen_US
dc.subjectintegrityen_US
dc.subjectauthenticityen_US
dc.subjectarchaeologyen_US
dc.subjectHarpers Ferry National Historical Parken_US
dc.subjectJamestown Archaeariumen_US
dc.subjectRosewellen_US
dc.subjectMenokinen_US
dc.subjectJava Plantationen_US
dc.subject.lcshHistoric preservation -- Theses
dc.subject.lcshRuins -- United States -- Preservation
dc.subject.lcshArchaeological integrity
dc.subject.lcshAuthenticity (Philosophy)
dc.titlePreserving Integrity and Authenticity in the Public Display of Ruinsen_US
dc.typeTexten_US

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Goucher College MA in Historic Preservation