This course aims to prepare historians for work in the historic preservation field. We examine the history of historic preservation in the United States, the regulations that apply to practice on the federal and state levels, the process of nominating structures to the National Register of Historic Places and preservation practice on an international level. A series of field trips give students an understanding of work in the field as opposed to the classroom, at prehistoric sites, and several historic ones in the local region.
Guest lecturers share their professional expertise with the students.
By the end of the course, students should be ready to assume internships in SHPO offices and local preservation offices around the country and to bring knowledge of good preservation practices to their work in museums, historical societies and archives and libraries. Assignments will involve the keeping of a professional diary of readings and activities and public presentations of National Register nominations that have been researched by the students. M Understanding the changing role and character of American communities is a major part of making sense of American history. This course acquaints students with the different approaches to community history, as well as the numerous types of source materials which are available. One aspect of this course involves reading various community studies or studies focusing on certain aspects of community life.