Historic Sites and Signage: Commemorating Intangible Heritage

Historic markers and marker programs are a common way of recognizing historic sites, particularly those that no longer exist or sites for which no physical evidence ever existed. Markers are used to inform visitors and community members about why a site is historic and significant. However, markers are often not able to attract the public’s attention or provide the information necessary to accomplish their goal. In order for historic markers and marker programs to be successful the goals and conditions must be clearly identified. Goals differ across communities, and different physical, social and economic conditions are likely factors in the success of markers and marker programs. Drawing on a series of case studies focused on markers that are part of historic walking tours, this study seeks to determine what makes certain markers and marker programs successful and what the best approaches are to improve markers for no longer extant or intangible historic sites.