Cecily Zamora
A degree in historic preservation law will equip you with the knowledge and skills to preserve and protect historic buildings, landscapes, and cultural sites. With a degree in this field, you'll learn about preservation planning and law, real estate development, economics, and the history of preservation. You'll also develop the ability to investigate the history of a building and its architecture, as well as collect and analyze information about significant structures. This degree prepares graduates for careers in various sectors, including federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and private firms, where they work to safeguard and restore historical places that bear witness to our shared past and enhance the quality of life in our communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation planning and law | Technical Preservation Services' Preservation Brief series |
| Real estate development | Preservation Planning |
| Economics | Battlefield Preservation |
| Interpreting historic structures for the public | Exhibit design |
| Pamphlet publication | |
| Documentary film production | |
| Research | |
| Investigation | |
| Collection and analysis of information | |
| History of preservation | |
| Foreign languages | |
| English | |
| Philosophy | |
| Art history | |
| Archaeology | Landscape preservation |
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What You'll Learn
Preservation planning and law
As a historic preservation major, you will learn the fundamentals of preservation planning and law, including how to investigate the history of a building, collect and analyse information about potentially significant structures, and understand the importance of preservation. You will also gain skills in interpreting historic structures for the public through exhibits, pamphlets, or documentary films.
A degree in preservation planning and law can lead to various career paths. You can work as a historian, researcher, interpreter, or planner in organizations such as the National Park Service, which offers workshops, conferences, and other training opportunities in preservation planning. You might also find employment in federal agencies, where a bachelor's degree in history or a related field is typically a prerequisite. Additionally, you can pursue a career in law and advocacy, where lawyers play a crucial role in negotiating the relationship between the past and the future through zoning and land-use controls.
Advanced degrees in historic preservation planning are offered by institutions such as Cornell AAP's Department of City and Regional Planning. Their Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning (MA HPP) program provides students with a unique opportunity to collaborate with various departments and build strong social networks. The program covers a range of topics, including the history of preservation, real estate development, economics, and the science behind preservation techniques.
Boston University also offers a dual JD/MA degree in Law and Preservation Studies, allowing students to obtain both a law degree (Juris Doctor) and a master's degree in Preservation Studies. This interdisciplinary program integrates legal studies with the preservation of architectural and cultural resources, providing a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding historic preservation.
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Rehabilitation and restoration
There are several routes you can take with this degree. You could focus on the "bricks and mortar" side of preservation, which involves learning practical building skills and architectural history. This could include learning techniques such as wet-laid masonry and staircase rehabbing. You could also work with metal artefacts, with the goal of advancing the science of metal artefact conservation using X-ray imaging systems, XRF spectrum analysers, and other precision tools and equipment.
Alternatively, you could focus on the historical research and interpretation side of preservation. This could involve exhibit design, pamphlet publication, or documentary film production to help interpret historic structures for the public. You could also work on researching and documenting the history of a site, such as a historic railroad site or an old building.
Another option is to focus on the legal and planning elements of historic preservation. This could involve developing and implementing new regulations and policies to protect historic resources. You could work with federal agencies, local agencies, or non-profit organisations to enforce these laws and ensure the protection of historic buildings and landscapes.
There are also opportunities to blend these different aspects of historic preservation. For example, you could work on a project that involves both the restoration of a historic building and the interpretation of its historical significance. Additionally, there are opportunities to get involved with organisations that focus on specific aspects of preservation, such as the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, which publishes reports, inventories, maintenance plans, and technical preservation guides for cultural landscapes.
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Battlefield preservation
Legal Frameworks and Advocacy:
The legal and regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in battlefield preservation. Individuals with a historic preservation law degree can advocate for balancing societal interests in heritage preservation and private property rights. They can navigate zoning laws and land-use controls, employing their legal expertise to negotiate between preserving the past and embracing future development. This involves understanding and applying relevant local, state, and federal laws to ensure the protection of these historic sites.
Research and Interpretation:
Conducting research and interpreting historical findings are essential components of battlefield preservation. With their legal and historical training, individuals can delve into archives, employ architectural taxonomy, and analyse physical evidence to uncover the history of battlefields. They can present their findings in a way that engages the public, utilising exhibit design, pamphlets, or documentary films to share the stories of these significant sites.
Planning and Conservation:
Historic preservation law graduates can contribute to the planning and conservation efforts of battlefields. They can guide the rehabilitation and restoration of these sites, ensuring that any development respects and preserves the cultural landscape. This may include creating planning documents, such as cultural landscape reports, to document the history, current conditions, and recommended preservation treatments for the site, ensuring its sustainable management.
Collaboration with Preservation Organisations:
Holding a historic preservation law degree opens doors to collaborate with organisations dedicated to battlefield preservation. For instance, the American Battlefield Trust (formerly the Civil War Trust) works closely with over 100 groups to preserve individual battlefields. Graduates can also explore internships and career opportunities with entities like Historic New England and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, contributing their legal expertise to these organisations' initiatives.
Policy Development and Implementation:
Historic preservation laws and policies, such as the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act, provide a regulatory framework for protecting historic resources. Individuals with a law degree in this field can play a crucial role in developing and implementing policies that safeguard battlefield sites. They can work with government agencies and bureaucracies, negotiating and compromising to ensure that legal protections are in place and effectively enforced.
In conclusion, a historic preservation law degree equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to advocate for, interpret, and conserve battlefield sites. Their legal expertise, combined with historical understanding, enables them to navigate the complex world of preservation laws and policies, ensuring the protection of these significant places for future generations.
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Archaeology and landscapes
Archaeology:
Historic preservation law degrees often intersect with archaeology, as both fields deal with studying and protecting the past. For instance, the U.S. National Park Service's Archaeology and Ethnography Program is one of the NPS subagencies that employs preservationists. Additionally, a Master of Historic Preservation degree from the University of Georgia requires applicants to have an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as archaeology, with relevant work experience.
Landscape Preservation:
Landscape preservation is a critical component of historic preservation. Professionals in this field work to protect and conserve historic landscapes, ensuring they remain integral parts of our cultural identity. A historic preservation law degree can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to work in this area. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the Master of Science in Historic Preservation program at Clemson University are examples of educational institutions that offer training in landscape preservation.
Cultural Landscapes:
Cultural landscapes are also a significant area of focus for those with a historic preservation law degree. This involves the public administration of cultural assets, including landscapes with historical significance. The Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, for instance, publishes reports, inventories, and technical preservation guides for cultural landscapes.
Landscape Interpretation:
Landscape interpretation is another career path for those with a historic preservation law degree. This involves interpreting and presenting the historical significance of landscapes to the public. Dan Vivian, for example, worked as a Student Conservation Association Resource Assistant in Shenandoah National Park, where he helped develop and present historical and naturalist interpretive programs.
Landscape Planning:
Landscape planning is a crucial aspect of historic preservation. It involves the thoughtful planning and design of landscapes, often with a focus on preserving historical integrity. The University of Georgia's Master of Historic Preservation program offers training in landscape architecture and urban and regional planning, providing graduates with the skills needed to work in this field.
With a historic preservation law degree, individuals can pursue careers in archaeology, landscape preservation, cultural landscape management, landscape interpretation, and landscape planning. These fields all contribute to our understanding and protection of the past and help shape our cultural identity.
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$85.98 $120
Economics and real estate development
In terms of economics, you will learn how to assess the monetary value of historic properties and the potential economic impact of preservation efforts. This includes understanding the costs and benefits of preservation projects, as well as the potential revenue generated through tourism, cultural heritage initiatives, and other economic activities associated with historic sites. Additionally, you will gain skills in financial planning, budgeting, and securing funding for preservation initiatives, which can be applied to a variety of real-world projects.
Real estate development is another important aspect of a historic preservation law degree. You will learn about the legal and regulatory framework surrounding real estate development, particularly as it relates to historic sites. This includes knowledge of zoning laws, land-use planning, and the process of obtaining permits and approvals for development projects involving historical properties. With this degree, you can advise on or lead development projects that involve the rehabilitation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of historic buildings, ensuring that any changes or new constructions are in line with preservation guidelines and regulations.
Furthermore, your expertise in historic preservation law will enable you to navigate the complexities of real estate development in areas with historical significance. This includes understanding the rights and responsibilities of property owners, as well as the role of government agencies and preservation organisations in the development process. You will be well-equipped to negotiate and compromise, ensuring that the historical integrity of a site is maintained while also allowing for necessary development and progress.
The skills gained through a historic preservation law degree in economics and real estate development can be applied to a variety of careers. You may work as a consultant, advising clients on the economic feasibility of preservation projects or providing expertise on real estate developments involving historic properties. Additionally, you could pursue a career in urban planning or community development, where your knowledge of historic preservation law and economics will be invaluable in shaping the future of communities while preserving their historical fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
Historic preservation law refers to the laws and regulations that govern how we treat places of historical significance. The most important law in this field is the National Historic Preservation Act, passed in 1966, which established permanent institutions and processes for preservation.
A degree in historic preservation law can lead to a variety of career paths. You could work for a federal agency, a non-profit organization like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, or in the private sector as a lawyer, historian, or researcher. You could also work on the "'bricks and mortar' side of preservation, which involves the practical tasks of restoring and rehabilitating historic buildings and sites.
In addition to a degree, you will likely need experience in the field. This could include internships, research projects, or other hands-on experience. A thorough knowledge of building skills, architectural history, and preservation planning is also crucial.
Some specific job titles in historic preservation law include Preservation Lawyer, Architectural Historian, Historian, Research Associate, and Restoration Architect. These professionals may work for government agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, or private firms.
