PRESERVATION BRIEFS: 35
Understanding Old Buildings:
The Process of Architectural Investigation
Travis C. McDonald, Jr.
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Center for Cultural Stewardship and Partnerships
Heritage Preservation Services Division
Technical Preservation Services
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Determining the Purpose of Investigation
- Investigators and Investigative Skills
- Showing the Evolution of an 18th Century Farmhouse
- Architectural Evidence: Studying the Fabric of the Historic Building
- Looking More Closely at Historic Building Materials and Features
- Conducting the Architectural Investigation
- After Architectural Investigation: Weighing the Evidence
- Keeping a Responsible Record for Future Investigators
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
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This publication has been prepared pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, which directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop and make available information concerning historic properties. Technical Preservation Services (TPS), Heritage Preservation Services Division, National Park Service prepares standards, guidelines, and other educational materials on responsible historic preservation treatments for a broad public.

