HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE AMUSEMENT AND THEME PARK SPACE

Abstract

This thesis examines four case studies in the amusement space and their relationship with historic preservation. Factors such as the realities of operating an amusement space, the abilities of non-profit organizations to assist businesses, and the place attachment of guests to these spaces are examined and discussed. Case studies are then used to support the proposal of a new process, through which decisionmakers in these spaces can better preserve the historic fabric within them. With a revised process, preservation in amusement and theme park spaces could more readily meet the needs of those concerned with or responsible for them and preserve more valuable cultural assets. The thesis is organized into four parts. The first part serves as an introduction to preservation in the amusement space as it has been. The second part delves into the history of amusement and theme park spaces to provide readers with a fuller context for their existence. The third part is comprised of case studies. The four case studies include two operating parks, Disneyland Park in California and Kennywood Park in Pennsylvania, as well as two defunct parks, Glen Echo Amusement Park and the Enchanted Forest, both of which were in Maryland. Each case study includes an overview of the history of each park, a focused discussion of the park’s relationship to historic preservation, and an outlook on preservation in the park going forward. Though these case studies are limited due to a lack of primary sources, they examine a variety of secondary sources which illuminate each case’s relationship with preservation. The final part argues that these spaces are worthy of preservation and makes recommendations for the future preservation of these spaces. These recommendations include a new thought process which considers the historic value of these places and the attachments which guests have to them. In addition to this process, this final part considers the role of professional preservationists and non-profit organizations in the amusement space today and how they could be of additional assistance through partnerships. These recommendations make some progress in creating better preservation outcomes for these spaces, but there is more to explore regarding the relationship between historic amusement spaces and preservation.