A Forgotten Voice: Post WWII Communications: Preserving Scientific Heritage

Dail, Jamie A.

Savannah, Georgia: Savannah College of Art and Design

2015-05

Thesis (M.F,A.) -- Historic Preservation

Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Historic Preservation

Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-178).

"Scientific and highly technical facilities are not widely known or explored, often going unnoticed by the public, and create a unique challenge for preservationists. The aim of this thesis is to explore how to preserve the historical character of 20th century scientific facilities as well as investigate how to balance preservation and technology, specifically focusing on international broadcasting. Many of these facilities were built surrounding WWII, thus they are rapidly approaching or surpassing the 50-year mark, considered 'the age of significance,' and it appears that little has been done to explore and document these facilities. The solution to the problem is to identify the unique characteristics of both the tangible and intangible aspects of scientific heritage and international broadcasting and to identify ways to preserve them. The case study of Voice of America – Greenville Transmitting Site will be used as an exploration into the preservation of scientific and highly technical facilities (Site A – vacant and deteriorating, Site B – functioning, Site C – decommissioned and reused). The information gathered in this thesis will explore the gaps in the NPS and UNESCO guidelines and criteria as related to scientific and technical facilities as well as exploring the unique historical significance of both the built and non-built heritage that international broadcasting provides."

Keywords: scientific heritage, preserving technology, scientific and highly technical facilities, international broadcasting, Voice of America, Cold War facilities

CHAIR: Pinkerton, Connie

Abraham, James

Gunther, Justin

English

Historic Preservation

Text

PDF (178 pages): illustrations (some color), plans

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