Is Historic Preservation Un-American?
What is the role historic preservation is meant to play in our society? And who are the primary actors in this historical drama? These are questions still being debated, if not in so many words, then at least indirectly through the actions of various organizations, agencies and individuals across the country. Among property owners and developers, in city council chambers, even during historic district commission meetings, questions arise: Why stand in the way of progress? Why preserve the old when our built environment should be allowed to renew itself? Why am I being told what I can and can’t do with my own property? Since the Bicentennial year of 1976, the American public has developed a much stronger interest in its history, and in preserving important elements from that history. The preservation of the countrys built heritage is an important aspect of that interest. Although some individuals and organizations have been supporting historic preservation activities since much earlier
