historic preservation
The process of identifying, protecting, and maintaining buildings, sites, and structures that have historical, architectural, or cultural significance to ensure their continued relevance and contribution to a community’s identity. (Main Street America, 2025) 2. Encompasses a broad range of activities related to preservation and conservation of the built environment by physical and intellectual methods; by the late 20th century, its principles also contributed to protection of prehistoric archaeological and paleontological sites; early North American activities include the founding of the American Antiquarian Society in 1812 and the purchase of Independence Hall by the city of Philadelphia in 1816 to prevent its demolition. (Bucher, 1996)