Use of Signs as a Protective Measure for Cultural Resources Sites
Abstract
Prehistoric and historic cultural resource properties are protected by various historic preservation laws and regulations. Among the various impacts that cause damage or loss of these valuable resources are several form of depreciative behaviors and vandalism. One type of mitigation of such impacts involves the use of signs to communicate both rules (and associated penalties for those who disregard them) and information concerning the importance of protecting and preserving the resources. Considerable debate has occurred among- cultural resource specialists and managers regarding the overall value of protective signs and the kind of information conveyed in sign messages. Little in the way of written guidelines for developing and evaluating effective sign programs exists. This report examines the protective role that signs have played in past and ongoing resource protection programs. Following summary discussions of literature on depreciative behavior and signs and their messages, the results of a nationwide, interagency survey are presented. This survey incorporates data on opinions about the relative effectiveness of different types of signs and previous signing efforts. The information extracted from the literature reviews and the questionnaires is utilized to create guidelines for effective cultural resource sign programs. Cultural resources, Signs, Site protection, Depreciative behavior, Site preservation, Vandalism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA267263
Entities
People
- Paul R. Nickens