2015 Theses Master's

Measuring the Social Impacts of Preservation on Disadvantaged Communities

Mollon, Erica

This thesis explores how preservation organizations working in the United States use various strategies to make positive social impacts, in addition to physical improvements, within disadvantaged communities. By looking at the social impacts of preservation, rather than the economic advantages, this study aims to expand upon the common success measures and further expand the tools with which the preservation field can demonstrate relevance. This research, conducted through a series of case studies, focuses on preservation institutions working throughout the United States. To measure the social capital, a combination of interviews and surveys with the organizations and people in the community was balanced with nationally-available data.