When I recently visited National Trust properties…

I love National Trust properties. I’d forgotten how much until I recently visited Polesden Lacey. So I promptly signed myself up to become a member (again) and I’ve proceeded to visit a National Trust property every weekend since. Of course, I’m also reading a lot of academic literature and case studies about heritage, its management … Continue reading When I recently visited National Trust properties… →

Interpretation: Technology of Power?

I get the impression that Bella Dicks wasn’t impressed by the work of the interpreters (and researchers) involved in the Rhondda Heritage Park. In her book Heritage, Place and Community her criticism effectively boils down to one point: interpreters commodify local knowledge to present a novelty attraction to outside visitors while the needs of the … Continue reading Interpretation: Technology of Power? →

Sustaining Our Heritage – Paul Drury and English Heritage’s Conservation Principles

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of hearing Paul Drury speak on ‘Sustaining Cultural Heritage Values in Changing Environments’ at University College London. Paul spent a great deal of time talking about the heritage values that people associate with sites. These, he argued, should form the basis of any management decision about a site … Continue reading Sustaining Our Heritage – Paul Drury and English Heritage’s Conservation Principles →

…after all, it’s a heritage site, not a history site

I am preparing a research proposal at the moment, and part of my literature review reminds me of an experience I had late last year at a history conference. At the time, I was doing another bit of research looking at what our processes are for interpreting significance. At one of my case study sites … Continue reading …after all, it’s a heritage site, not a history site →