Preservation Philosophy

The collection and preservation of buildings, landscapes, objects, and archival materials underpin everything we do at Historic New England. Our approach to caring for these resources is grounded in the belief that good preservation enables inclusive access to immersive site experiences that educate and inspire. Preservation brings the past into the present and makes it relevant, inviting people to explore the many stories, experiences, and communities that have shaped the region. It encourages a deeper understanding of New England’s history and its place in the wider world.

Our work is guided by our Preservation Philosophy: a model for responsible stewardship that prioritizes high standards for preservation, documentation, and knowledge-sharing with our audiences and peer institutions. For every preservation project at our sites—from the simplest in-kind repairs to the most innovative solutions to complicated challenges—the Preservation Philosophy is the touchstone that informs our approach.

Statement of Preservation Philosophy

One of Historic New England’s primary goals is the preservation of cultural resources.

Recognizing that the resources administered by Historic New England, including landscapes, buildings, structures, archeological resources, objects, and archival material, may have different preservation needs and ideologies, Historic New England’s preservation philosophy is to:

• Research and document the history, evolution, features, materials, integrity, and areas of significance of resources prior to undertaking any repair or conservation work. Research should be considered a continuum that serves to direct the overall management approach for resources, and records Historic New England’s contribution to their care and maintenance.
• Monitor usage to prevent irreparable loss of historic fabric.
• Choose maintenance and conservation treatments that reflect a commitment to retaining and preserving historic material.
• Recognize and preserve the design and craftsmanship that has uniquely shaped a resource over time.
• Disseminate the experiences and information associated with resources to internal and external audiences.
• Follow or exceed nationally accepted professional standards and guidelines, as appropriate for each discipline, in order to ensure the longevity of resources and maintain a reputation for innovation and the highest quality of work.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on September 24, 2008