Breath of Life: An Outline of the Development of a National Policy for Historical Preservation

Author(s): John D. McDermott

Year: 1966

Summary

The purpose of this study is to trace the development of the Federal interest in historical preservation, particularly as it is evidenced in legislation. The study focuses on the firsts in the movement and does not purport to be definitive in any sense of the word. Two major legislative enactments received special emphasis, the Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Historical Sites Act of 1935. Together they form the heart and soul of the Federal policy in the preservation of nationally significant historic sites and buildings.

The study evolved from a desire to illuminate the beginnings and growth of the historical program of the National Park Service. It is not exclusively devoted to this subject, but the original conception has influenced its organization, its points of emphasis, and its content.

Cite this Record

Breath of Life: An Outline of the Development of a National Policy for Historical Preservation. John D. McDermott. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service. 1966 ( tDAR id: 391257) ; doi:10.6067/XCV85Q4Z7C

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

Keywords

Investigation Types
Heritage Management

General
Antiquities Act of 1906 • Establishing Civil War Parks • Historical American Buildings Survey • Historical Areas • Historic Buildings • Historic Preservation • Historic Sites Act of 1935 • Memorialization • Monumentation • National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 • National Park Development • National Park Service History • Preservation of Antiquities

Geographic Keywords
The United States

Spatial Coverage

min long: -126.211; min lat: 24.343 ; max long: -64.688; max lat: 49.651 ;

Individual & Institutional Roles

Sponsor(s): National Park Service, Washington DC

File Information

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