Preserving the Imagined Past: Reconstructions and the National Park Service
Preserving the Imagined Past: Reconstructions and the National Park Service
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Date
2008-05
Authors
Ries, Elizabeth S.
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Abstract
The National Park Service (NPS) has been a consistent leader in cultural
resource management and historic preservation for almost 100 years. Along with
historic structures, the NPS is responsible for the management and maintenance of
reconstructed structures. Reconstructions, or the “imagined” past, have been
contested over the years in terms of their authenticity and interpretive value. While
the question of reconstructions continues to be debated, the NPS must contend with
over 200 reconstructed features within the nation’s park system. This paper provides
a critical examination of the contemporary issues related to maintaining the
“imagined” built environment. Working from examples at three national parks,
physical factors are addressed, as well as how the age of the reconstruction affects the
planning and methods of maintenance of each resource. Conclusions integrate the
maintenance issues facing the NPS with the future, long term preservation
implications of using reconstructions to interpret the American past.
Notes
This document has had referenced material removed in respect for the owner's copyright. A complete version of this document, which includes said referenced material, resides in the University of Maryland, College Park's library collection.
Final project submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate Program in Historic Preservation, School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Certificate in Historic Preservation, 2008."/ HISP 700 Spring 2008./ Includes bibliographical references (leaves 39-40).