The future of the past is the heart of historic preservation, the topic of “If These Buildings Could Talk”. It is a field of study that offers insight into a variety of fields that deal with change and what should be saved for the next generation. Our culture is reflected in our buildings, landscapes, material culture, and intangible heritage. This class will provide a broad introductory background on the field of historic preservation, looking at issues of conservation, planning, management, and methodology. Besides buildings, we will also study the people who used them, historical events and significance, and architectural design for a more holistic understanding of preservation.