People think of historical places when they imagine them; such as Boston Freedom Trail or where George Washington read the Declaration of Independence to his troops. Others might envision China’s 8,000-strong Terracotta Army, buried for nearly 2000 years under an underground dam in Xi’an.
Historic sites hold special meaning for us and provide us with insight into our past. But what exactly are these connections?
1. Places of worship
Sacred places serve as an anchor of spiritual and social life in many cultures, providing spiritual support and fueling deep reflection. Their majestic architecture and complex histories can transcend religions to spark deep contemplation.
Religious communities typically mark holy places like shrines, temples and churches with symbols to signify their sanctity. Other sites become holy due to association with a spiritual leader or leader themselves; for example if someone believes their psychic and healing powers reside there – that home becomes an act of worship too!
Historic places of worship enjoy various levels of protection, from National Monument status to gazette conservation buildings; however, none of these policies protects the intangible cultural heritage that bonds communities around these spaces – for instance, Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple in Telok Ayer acts as a hub for those with the surname Lim across Singapore.
2. Places of government
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects recognized as worthy of preservation by the federal government and is administered by the National Park Service. Established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
Heritage Documentation Programs of the National Park Service produce large-format black-and-white photographs, measured drawings, and written histories of buildings, engineering sites, and landscapes across America. These records can be found at the Library of Congress as part of their HABS/HAER/HALS Collection.
Washington DC is full of historic places that were once home to Americans – from the White House and Capitol Building to Saratoga National Historical Park in New York where General George Washington won one of his most important battles during the Revolutionary War.
3. Places of commerce
Historical places often bear witness to significant events that shaped history, while also contributing to regional or national cultures.
Historical sites include museums, battlefields, monuments and even whole cities that have been preserved over time. These locations typically fall under the jurisdiction of local governing bodies to ensure they will continue being enjoyed by future generations.
The NPS works closely with National Heritage Areas to preserve communities’ historic, cultural, and natural resources that tell nationally significant tales, such as Revolutionary and Civil Wars battle sites; diverse American cultures; industrialization; agricultural history.
New York City is filled with iconic historical landmarks, from its stunning skyline to Independence Hall where America’s founding fathers laid the groundwork for democracy. Boston also holds several American firsts including its inaugural public library and Freedom Trail which brings visitors past 16 historic sites.
4. Places of industry
Humans have achieved astounding feats throughout history, from monumental constructions to historic sites. We’ve left an amazing legacy that deserves preservation and interpretation.
Our care for many sites that give a glimpse into England’s industrial past includes caring for the nation’s first iron bridge or exploring 19th-century factories that produced 250,000 bobbins per week!
Boston is home to many firsts in American history. Take a stroll down Freedom Trail for an insight into Boston’s central role in American independence; or visit African Meeting House and experience first-hand an African church built by and for slaves. NPS works with national heritage areas to protect these assets that represent nationally significant stories.
5. Places of art
World history is packed with amazing manmade sites that deserve exploration. This list highlights some of the world’s greatest landmarks that deserve your travel consideration.
Museums provide an ideal way to gain a better understanding of history. Certain museums focus on specific eras or events – like Athens’ Parthenon and Cambodia’s Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for instance.
Other museums feature the work of famous artists, like the Salvador Dali Museum in Port Lligat or Freud museum houses across Europe. Artists serve as visual curators to our experiences, and their creativity could help revitalize historic places.
