Public History and Historic Preservation: A Growing Alliance? Daniel Vivian, PhD
In recent years, public history has moved closer to the mainstream of the American historical profession and assumed a larger role in civic life. Meanwhile, historic preservation has struggled for direction. These trends are more closely related than they might first appear. Although there are many reasons for public history’s ascent, one of the most important is the desire for critical, well-informed histories with relevance for a pluralistic society. As fatigue with traditional modes of patriotism and celebratory narratives of American progress continues to grow, demand for histories that consider the experiences of historically marginalized groups increases.
For historic preservation, the corollary to these trends is growing attention to sites associated with particular communities and less enthusiasm for those seen as broadly representative. Democratization of history has proven something of a double-edge sword: beneficial in calling attention to underappreciated histories, but challenging in the new demands it has imposed on already overstretched programs. How advocates, activists, and professionals negotiate these tensions in the coming years will determine whether preservation finds new energy and focus or continues to wane.
This article by historian and professor Daniel Vivian, PhD, examines the relationship between public history and historic preservation, public history-based strategies, and how public history is revitalizing inner cities.
Photo: Shelby Park Carnegie Library, 600 East Oak, Louisville, Kentucky, is one of seven Louisville libraries endowed by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Designed by prominent Louisville architect Author Loomis and opened in 1911, the building is a refined and beautifully proportioned example of the Second Renaissance Revival style.