ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) – Historic preservation is more than just saving old buildings. It is about protecting the last tangible links to our past we have left. As cities grow and landscapes evolve, preserving historic buildings and sites helps us maintain a connection to our cultural heritage, architecture and collective identity.

What Is Historic Preservation?

Historic preservation is the process of identifying, protecting and maintaining buildings, sites and objects with historical, cultural or architectural significance. These can include:

  • Landmarks like courthouses or town halls

  • Residential neighborhoods with unique architecture

  • Cultural sites tied to underrepresented histories

  • Historic districts and commercial centers

Why Historic Preservation Matters Today

Preserving historic buildings and sites offers numerous benefits beyond aesthetics. Here are some reasons why historic preservation is seen as essential by many:

Tangible is better than intangible – Historic places provide a physical link to the people, events and cultures that shaped our communities. While reading about an event in a textbook can be informative, visiting the location allows an immersive learning experience unparalleled by any book. It is the same reason most people prefer in person discussions rather than phone calls.

Preventing future tragedies – Certain locations also evoke collective trauma over transgressions of certain communities. For example, the site of the World Trade Center towers is preserved as a memorial for those who died on Sep. 11, 2001. American Civil War battlefields similarly remind us of the pains of slavery. Visiting these sites helps prevent atrocities like these from occurring again by educating the public.

Community identity revitalization – Communities are often defined by their landmarks, buildings and histories. To create a sense of neighborhood unity, preserving local historic structures and regions offers a sense of belonging to many residents. History allows everyone to feel larger than their lifetime’s actually last.