Public Education:

Effective public education and interpretation programs can play
an important role in the preservation of prehistoric and historic
resources.  While many people are not aware of the significant
socioeconomic implications of preservation, many more do not
realize the range of threats that are facing our cultural
heritage (National Council for Preservation Education, 1987).  A
more informed public will be less prone to the deliberate or
unintentional abuse of cultural artifacts.  Additionally, an
enlightened public preservation constituency will be more
responsive to the senseless loss and mismanagement of cultural
resources, and as a consequence, will make public officials more
accountable for their resource management responsibilities.  An
informed electorate that demonstrates it cares about its cultural
heritage will increase the responsiveness of government and
economic development forces to cultural resource management
concerns.  Active public participation in the decision processes
that affect cultural resources can expedite the development of
protective covenants or zoning ordinances, adaptive use rather
than demolition, and the allocation of public and private sector
funds essential to effective preservation and management. 

<bfile23>   Education Objectives