ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the concept of heritage ‘sustainability’ (which often implies ‘freezing’ heritage in time) through a provocative lens – that of change and continuity as a heritage value in itself. It will use Nordic case studies to demonstrate how change and continuity should be studied and assessed for heritage significance. We use three concepts from change theory (systems theory) – developmental, transitional and transformational change – as the epistemological background for understanding the relationships of change and sustainability in various heritage management practices. We theorize about what change entails as a strategic heritage approach to change management. In this way, we will also be able to define how change is an active social component in the organization of the practices that take place through the uses of heritage.
