ABSTRACT
The practice of American historic preservation matured during the third quarter of the twentieth century from an emphasis on the stewardship of in situ individual buildings, salvaged architectural fragments, or relocated buildings, to one that embraced le tout ensemble of historic districts and large scale cultural landscapes. The widespread adoption of the concept of adaptive use meant that historic properties could be more than just house museums—they could find a revitalized utility as contributing parts of a community. At the same time, the preservation movement found common cause with land conservation advocates through the shared concept that beauty, whether it was natural, scenic, or architectural, was worthy of protection. The stewardship of nationally significant places was the mission assigned to the National Park Service as it engaged with the ongoing dilemma of providing access and enjoyment to current visitors while ensuring that its charges would continue unimpaired for future generations. The item that linked the historic preservation and land conservation movements was the classification, acquisition, and protection of real estate, from individual parcels and entire landscapes, within the context of an increasingly urban and suburban country.
