'As you see it so it was'? : reconstructing historic built environments in the USA : the case of sites associated with George Washington
This study explores the nature, function and creation of in situ, three dimensional, full-scale reconstructions from both a professional archaeological and administrative vantage point. In situ, three-dimensional reconstructions are used at heritage sites throughout the world to interpret historical archaeological remains for visitors. This type of reconstruction is the most permanent and complete of the physical treatments used to interpret buildings that are no longer standing, presenting both great risk to the archaeological resource and the historical authenticity of the place, as well as the potential for enormous reward for both interpretation and education. This thesis analyzes criteria with potential to measure the success or failure of reconstructions and provide a broader understanding of how these buildings act as replacements for their vanished originals. Due to the large universe of reconstructions, data from 11 archaeologically-based reconstructions, at five sites associated with George Washington were identified to guide the discussion. The critical histories of these sites provide a textured understanding of reconstructions, and the role they play in shaping and creating a visible constructed
White, Esther
'As you see it so it was'? : reconstructing historic built environments in the USA : the case of sites associated with George Washington. This study explores the nature, function and creation of in situ, three dimensional, full-scale reconstructions from both a professional archaeological and administrative vantage point. In situ, three-dimensional reconstructions are used at heritage sites throughout the world to interpret historical archaeological remains for visitors. This type of reconstruction is the most permanent and complete of the physical treatments used to interpret buildings that are no longer standing, presenting both great risk to the archaeological resource and the historical authenticity of the place, as well as the potential for enormous reward for both interpretation and education. This thesis analyzes criteria with potential to measure the success or failure of reconstructions and provide a broader understanding of how these buildings act as replacements for their vanished originals. Due to the large universe of reconstructions, data from 11 archaeologically-based reconstructions, at five sites associated with George Washington were identified to guide the discussion. The critical histories of these sites provide a textured understanding of reconstructions, and the role they play in shaping and creating a visible constructed
see reconstructing historic build_environment usa case sit associate george washington study_explore nature_function creation situ three_dimensional full scale reconstruction professional archaeological administrative vantage_point situ three_dimensional reconstruction use heritage_site throughout_world interpret historical_archaeological remain visitor type reconstruction permanent complete physical treatment use_interpret building longer stand present great risk archaeological_resource historical authenticity place well potential enormous reward interpretation education analyzes criteria potential measure success_failure reconstruction provide_broad building act replacement original due large universe reconstruction data archaeologically based reconstruction site associate george washington identify guide discussion critical_history sit provide reconstruction role_play shape create visible construct