C O N T E X T 9 2 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 5 29 ANTOINETTE J LEE True to national values The USA’s unique system of historic preservation reflects not only the historical trends and events that shaped this nation of nations, but also its most closely held values. Prior to passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, American preservationists travelled to the UK and European countries to learn about how to protect historic buildings and sites. Unlike the United States, these countries appeared to be well equipped with legislation, funding and professional development that supported preservation. Americans marvelled at the ability of foreign countries to protect their countryside, preserve their historic town centres, and invest in major restoration efforts.They too wanted an effective national historic preservation programme that would counter the effects of sprawl, urban renewal, highway construction and other public works projects that altered the post-WorldWar II landscape. Today the exchange continues, evolving to a two-way dialogue. American preservationists continue to travel to the UK, Europe and other continents. However, now preservationists travel from other countries to the United States to learn more about its unique system of preservation – one that reflects the nation’s most closely held values. The American preservation system devolves much decision-making to the local level and provides incentives to encourage property owners to maintain their historic properties.TheAmerican system also emphasises historical significance, as compared with architectural and design importance, as a criterion for evaluating properties as worthy of preservation. Finally, the nation’s multi-ethnic demographics are now being reflected in the preservation of historic places associated with growing numbers of diverse cultural groups. The national media devotes much attention to the activities of the US Congress and the executive branch of the federal government, even as most preservation decisions are made at the local level and by private owners of historic properties. The local level of government administers planning, zoning, building permits and other instruments of land use. As part of zoning powers, local governments administer local ordinances that provide for local historic preservation programmes, including the designation of historic landmarks and historic districts according to clearly stated criteria. Local governments appoint commissions to review changes to designated properties, new construction in designated historic districts and applications for the demolition of designated properties. The role of the federal government is to encourage preservation through the operation of official recognition programmes, grants and tax incentives Washington’s Grist Mill, Fairfax County,Virginia. As a farmer, George Washington operated this mill on Dogue Run, where he ground wheat and corn. After falling into ruin, the mill was rebuilt in the 1930s with materials and machinery from a similar mill of the period.
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