A look at the choices and tensions that exist in conservation and interpretation of heritage. Preservation and presentation are central activities, arguably means and ends in the conservation of the historic environment. But are they self-reinforcing or do they work against each other? In a series of essays which span from prehistoric sacred sites to World War II military remains, from medieval monastery to 1970s housing estate, this text looks at contemporary concerns and debates about the way the past is shaped, physically and metaphorically, by these two aspects of heritage management.

Managing Historic Sites and Buildings looks at the choices and the tensions that exist in conservation and interpretation of the heritage. Preservation and presentation are central activities, arguably means and ends in the conservation of the historic environment. But are they self-reinforcing or do they work against each other? In a series of essays which span form prehistoric sacred site to Second World war military remains, from medieval monastery to 1970s housing estate, we look at contemporary concerns and debates about the way the past is shaped, physically and metaphorically,...

Public participation and local community involvement have taken centre stage in heritage practice in recent decades. In contrast with this established position in wider heritage work, public engagement with conservation practice is less well developed. The focus here is on conservation as the practical care of material cultural heritage, with all its associated significance for local people. How can we be more successful in building capacity for local ownership and leadership of heritage conservation projects, as well as improving participative involvement in decisions and in practice?

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