ABSTRACT

This book presents guidance, theory, methodologies, and case studies for analyzing tree rings to accurately date and interpret historic buildings and landscapes.

Written by two long-time practitioners in the field of dendrochronology, the research is grounded in the fieldwork data of approximately 200 structures and landscapes. By scientifically analyzing the tree rings of historic timbers, preservationists can obtain valuable information about construction dates, interpret the evolution of landscapes and buildings over time, identify species and provenance, and gain insight into the species matrix of local forests. Authors Darrin L. Rubino and Christopher Baas demonstrate, through full-color illustrated case studies and methodologies, how this information can be used to interpret the history of buildings and landscapes and assist preservation decision-making.

Over 1,000 samples obtained from more than 40 buildings, including high style houses, vernacular log houses, and timber frame barns, are reported. This book will be particularly relevant for students, instructors, and professional readers interested in historic preservation, cultural landscapes, museum studies, archaeology, and dendrochronology globally.

chapter Chapter 1|12 pages

Can you date my building

An introduction to tree-ring analysis for dating buildings and landscapes

chapter Chapter 2|14 pages

Understanding cultural landscapes and historic buildings

Frameworks for interpreting and communicating tree-ring analysis

chapter Chapter 3|13 pages

Botany for the dendrochronologist

chapter Chapter 7|13 pages

Reporting the results of tree-ring analysis

chapter Chapter 8|26 pages

Enhancing interpretation

Case studies for open air and house museums

chapter Chapter 9|27 pages

Case studies

Dating and interpreting diverse cultural landscapes

chapter Chapter 10|28 pages

Chronicling landscape evolution using tree-ring analysis

chapter Chapter 11|25 pages

New Harmony, Indiana

Tree-ring analysis of a communal and utopian landscape

chapter Chapter 12|33 pages

Innovation to obsolescence

Tree-ring analysis of a regional barn type

chapter Chapter 13|21 pages

Unique applications of tree-ring data

chapter Chapter 14|8 pages

Active inquiry

Dating a 19th-century log house using historical documents and tree-ring science