Community-Based Historic Preservation
Established in 1984 as MTSU's first Center of Excellence, the Center for Historic Preservation works with communities to interpret and promote their historic assets through education, research, and preservation. Working within state, regional, and national partnerships, the Center focuses its efforts on heritage area development, rural preservation, heritage education, and heritage tourism through diverse, inclusive preservation practice and programs. In doing so, the Center enhances citizens' sense of place, pride, and identity.
The Center works with communities under the auspices of several different programs. Our oldest program, the Tennessee Century Farms Program, recognizes farms that have been in the same family for 100 years or more. Our largest program, the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, tells the whole story of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Outreach to educators, students, and citizens takes place through our Teaching with Primary Sources--MTSU Program and our Digital Humanities initiatives.
Students are key to the community-based historic preservation that we do at the Center. Our graduate research assistants gain professional experience through participation in diverse community-centered projects. The Center trains and mentors students pursuing the M.A. and Ph.D. in Public History at MTSU and also provides opportunities for undergraduates and interns.
