Investigating the evolving postindustrial landscape using GIS-based analytical tools, exploring several variables which influence the material perseverance of historical properties in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, the Copper Country.

---

Changing Landscape:

Over time the built landscape grows, rescinds, and generally molds to the needs of the community.  The structures of the past are sometimes reclaimed by nature, sometimes retooled for new purpose, and sometimes seem to persist for no apparent reason at all.  It it this question as to why which needs answering... 

---

Formal Historic Preservation

Formalized, Codified, Legislated

• 1966 National Historic Preservation Act

​Conservation-driven & Interpretive

SOI standards:

• preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction

---

Vernacular Preservation

“preservation by neglect” or “adaptive reuse” 

• ​Common & Crucial; yet invisible
• Limited care & understanding
• Isolated, Mundane, Hidden, Unremarkable
• ​Insignificant or lacking integrity

​BUT... Useful

• Storage; Private and National Parks
• Heritage & Beauty

---

Industrial structures act as an individual part of the landscape-scale mechanism, they are individually insignificant; only meaningful as part of a mechanism. EX: above wristwatch

​Continual evolution is a hallmark of the industrial landscape; observed in the vast number of uniquely altered vise-grip tools below.

---

John's Credentials:
PhD candidate; Industrial Heritage and Archaeology, Michigan Technological University
M.S. in Historic Preservation & M.Architecture, University of Oregon
​[email protected]