The preservation enterprise helps fashion the physical contours of
memory in public space, and thus has the power to curate a
multidimensional and inclusive representation of societal values and
narratives. Increasingly, the field of preservation is being challenged
to consider questions of social inclusion, of how multiple publics
are--or are not--represented in heritage decision-making, geographies,
and governance structures. Community engagement is increasingly being
integrated into project-based preservation practice, but the policy
toolbox has been slower to evolve. Recognizing how preservation and
other land use decisions can both empower and marginalize publics
compels greater reflection on preservation's past and future and
collective action beyond the project level. This requires professionals
and institutions to consider systemic policy change with integrity,
sensitivity, and intentionality.
Bringing together a broad range of academics, historians, and
practitioners, this second volume in the Issues in Preservation Policy
series documents historic preservation's progress toward inclusivity and
explores further steps to be taken.