Application Of The Historic Preservation Index Strategy to Historic Vernacular Landscape

The aim of this study is to form a matrix for the understanding and preservation approach for Historic Vernacular Landscapes applying the Historic Preservation Index strategy. The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) Historic Landscape Initiative (HLI), which promotes responsible preservation practices that protect the nation's designed landscapes, is developing an index of historical designed landscapes. The goal of the index is to create a comprehensive, searchable database for prioritizing and realizing future nominations for the National Register of Historic Places. This study evaluates the ongoing process for creating the index for historical designed landscapes on parameters identified by the National Park Service on the basis of documentation projects, cultural landscape themes and their designers. The index created by the NPS looks at cultural classification and sub-categories into which different designed landscapes are categorized. This study defines historic vernacular landscapes, assesses their importance and evaluates the basis on which they can be classified and categorized. The categories that are identified are used to form a matrix of historic vernacular landscapes. These categories are themes, historical setting, key words which classify landscapes and designers/users. The matrix formed is a database to be further developed into a search tool for identifying historic vernacular landscapes and categorize future nominated historical vernacular landscapes. It is based on the index being formed by the NPS. The final outcome is in the form a matrix that helps identify and categorize historic vernacular landscapes. This study helps in understanding historic vernacular landscapes and has been done by delineating the elements of historic vernacular landscapes into key words to the form of a matrix. It is also helpful for the nomination process for future National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmark designations.