Your Connection to the World's Heritage
World Heritage USA supports the work of the U.S. National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS-USA), an organization that is part of a global network dedicated to preservation of the world’s cultural heritage. Our activities provide a gateway for U.S. citizens to experience and participate in international heritage conservation programs and activities and for the international community to learn about the rich and diverse heritage of our nation. In doing so, we uphold and advance the broad goals of ICOMOS, the World Heritage Convention, and the preservation of cultural heritage globally.
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Living Monuments and Memorials

People gather around the Blank Slate Monument at Rice University’s campus in March 2023. The monument’s slate reads: “SAY SOMETHING HERE. Connect Your Phone to the BlankSlateMonument WiFi Network.” Image Credit: Rice University News, Photograph by Gustavo Raskosky.
By Madeline Bonner, Monuments Toolkit Living monuments and memorials are designed to engage contemporary society in different ways. For example, living monuments may grow and evolve, travel to reach different audiences, and/or facilitate the gathering of people.  The following are living monuments and memorials that contradict ideas of monuments as…
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Digitally Mapping the Monuments Landscape - 2025 Monuments Toolkit Summer Webinar Series

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Statue of Liberty National Monument World Heritage Site (1984)

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On Friday, August 22, join the Monuments Toolkit for the next episode of our summer webinar series: "Reconciling Historic Trauma with Monuments and Sites." We'll be joined by Father Tom Elewaut of the San Buenaventura Mission, Stephen Hammond of Syphax Pastfinders, and Aaron Leggett of President of the Native Village of Eklutna. ... See MoreSee Less

On Friday, August 22, join the Monuments Toolkit for the next episode of our summer webinar series: Reconciling Historic Trauma with Monuments and Sites. Well be joined by Father Tom Elewaut of the San Buenaventura Mission, Stephen Hammond of Syphax Pastfinders, and Aaron Leggett of President of the Native Village of Eklutna.Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

🌐 Our eighth IEP internship update comes from Marnie where she and Subika are working with Ohio History Connection at the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks!

“Update: Weeks 5 & 6: Over the past two weeks, the focus has been researching the history of the Hopewell culture, with a focus on their earthworks and the Octagon site itself. In addition to this research, I’ve also been working in ArcGIS to create a grid overlay of the site, which will be instrumental in guiding and organising our upcoming survey work.

Never without a site visit or two, we headed back down to Chillicothe with the full team and made another stop at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. First up was Mound City, where our supervisor, Sarah Hinkelman, gave us a tour of the site. Afterwards, we visited the Hopeton Earthworks site, where an archaeological dig is currently underway. This brings our visit total to 6 out of the 8 sites included in the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Always ending an update with a bit of fun, we were lucky enough to head over to Pennsylvania for the weekend. Our first stop was Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village—the oldest known site of human habitation in North America, used as shelter by the first people nearly 19,000 years ago. Next, we visited Kentuck Knob, a Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1956. To wrap up the weekend, thanks to talks with IEP intern Bisrat Engida, we arranged a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater—which was absolutely incredible to see in person.”

#IEP2025 #worldheritageusa #icomos #culturalheritage #historicpreservation #heritageconservation
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🌐 Our eighth IEP internship update comes from Marnie where she and Subika are working with Ohio History Connection at the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks! 

“Update: Weeks 5 & 6: Over the past two weeks, the focus has been researching the history of the Hopewell culture, with a focus on their earthworks and the Octagon site itself. In addition to this research, I’ve also been working in ArcGIS to create a grid overlay of the site, which will be instrumental in guiding and organising our upcoming survey work.

Never without a site visit or two, we headed back down to Chillicothe with the full team and made another stop at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. First up was Mound City, where our supervisor, Sarah Hinkelman, gave us a tour of the site. Afterwards, we visited the Hopeton Earthworks site, where an archaeological dig is currently underway. This brings our visit total to 6 out of the 8 sites included in the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Always ending an update with a bit of fun, we were lucky enough to head over to Pennsylvania for the weekend. Our first stop was Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village—the oldest known site of human habitation in North America, used as shelter by the first people nearly 19,000 years ago. Next, we visited Kentuck Knob, a Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1956. To wrap up the weekend, thanks to talks with IEP intern Bisrat Engida, we arranged a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater—which was absolutely incredible to see in person.”

#IEP2025 #worldheritageusa #icomos #culturalheritage #historicpreservation #heritageconservationImage attachmentImage attachment+8Image attachment

Learn more about Living Monuments and Memorials from this month's blog post from the #MonumentsToolkit by Madeline Bonner: worldheritageusa.org/living-monuments-and-memorials/ ... See MoreSee Less

Learn more about Living Monuments and Memorials from this months blog post from the #MonumentsToolkit by Madeline Bonner: https://worldheritageusa.org/living-monuments-and-memorials/Image attachmentImage attachment

The countdown is on — this is the final month of our fundraiser!

Throughout August, we’re rallying support to protect and preserve our natural and cultural treasures. Every gift brings us closer to safeguarding the places and stories that connect us all.

Join us before the deadline. Please donate today and help us finish strong!

🔗 usicomos.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate?

#ICOMOSUSA #PreserveOurHeritage #WorldHeritage #FundraiserFinalMonth #ProtectOurWonders
... See MoreSee Less

The countdown is on — this is the final month of our fundraiser!

Throughout August, we’re rallying support to protect and preserve our natural and cultural treasures. Every gift brings us closer to safeguarding the places and stories that connect us all.

Join us before the deadline. Please donate today and help us finish strong!

🔗 https://usicomos.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate?

#ICOMOSUSA #PreserveOurHeritage #WorldHeritage #FundraiserFinalMonth #ProtectOurWonders

🌐 Our seventh IEP internship update comes from Olivia who is working with the Center for Heritage Conservation in Ahmedabad, India!

“In the past two weeks I have started to settle into life here in Ahmedabad. Work-wise, I have been updating our catalogue with sample data, making sure the information is accurate and organized. My supervisor and I have a plan for creating an online resource which would make this information accessible, and we are currently getting the necessary software downloaded to do so. We eventually hope to host a training session for CEPT students on digital documentation, demonstrating how to use this software for the sample collection. In the meantime, I was happy to conduct a site visit to do preliminary background research on potential sample areas. You can see pictures of me at Tankshal ni Pol, holding a camera and discussing the history of the beautiful wooden mosque, located in the Old City area.

In my free time, I have explored Ahmedabad and around the state of Gujarat. I was fortunate to visit, for instance, the Patan patola saree weavers, whose traditional double Ikat weaving and complex horizontal dyeing technique result in some of the finest silk sarees in the world. Each saree takes around a year to weave — truly some incredible living heritage. I visited Rani ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1063, this stepwell was constructed in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style in the form of an inverted temple, and contains more than 800 sculptures. I also enjoyed seeing the Modhera Sun Temple, a Hindu temple built in the 11th century on 23.6 latitude (the Tropic of Cancer). It is believed that worship of the Sun God would have taken place here on the Equinox. The wider town of Modhera, interestingly, happens to be India’s first 24x7 solar-powered village, demonstrating a unique confluence of culturally-informed sustainable development. This past weekend, some friends took me to the Ravivari vintage market, followed by milkshakes and dosa at the famous “New Lucky Restaurant.” We have even more plans around Ahmedabad this weekend. In the next couple of weeks I plan to travel around India a bit more, but for now I am enjoying settling into my home base.”

#IEP2025 #worldheritageusa #icomos #culturalheritage #historicpreservation #heritageconservation
... See MoreSee Less

🌐 Our seventh IEP internship update comes from Olivia who is working with the Center for Heritage Conservation in Ahmedabad, India! 

“In the past two weeks I have started to settle into life here in Ahmedabad. Work-wise, I have been updating our catalogue with sample data, making sure the information is accurate and organized. My supervisor and I have a plan for creating an online resource which would make this information accessible, and we are currently getting the necessary software downloaded to do so. We eventually hope to host a training session for CEPT students on digital documentation, demonstrating how to use this software for the sample collection. In the meantime, I was happy to conduct a site visit to do preliminary background research on potential sample areas. You can see pictures of me at Tankshal ni Pol, holding a camera and discussing the history of the beautiful wooden mosque, located in the Old City area. 

In my free time, I have explored Ahmedabad and around the state of Gujarat. I was fortunate to visit, for instance, the Patan patola saree weavers, whose traditional double Ikat weaving and complex horizontal dyeing technique result in some of the finest silk sarees in the world. Each saree takes around a year to weave — truly some incredible living heritage. I visited Rani ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1063, this stepwell was constructed in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style in the form of an inverted temple, and contains more than 800 sculptures. I also enjoyed seeing the Modhera Sun Temple, a Hindu temple built in the 11th century on 23.6 latitude (the Tropic of Cancer). It is believed that worship of the Sun God would have taken place here on the Equinox. The wider town of Modhera, interestingly, happens to be India’s first 24x7 solar-powered village, demonstrating a unique confluence of culturally-informed sustainable development. This past weekend, some friends took me to the Ravivari vintage market, followed by milkshakes and dosa at the famous “New Lucky Restaurant.” We have even more plans around Ahmedabad this weekend. In the next couple of weeks I plan to travel around India a bit more, but for now I am enjoying settling into my home base.”

#IEP2025 #worldheritageusa #icomos #culturalheritage #historicpreservation #heritageconservationImage attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment

From Chaco Canyon to the Statue of Liberty, our sites reflect the essence of who we are as a nation. Without preservation, we risk losing these places and the stories they hold.

🛑 Help us protect these sites! Your donation fuels action, advocacy, and global collaboration. Donate today. usicomos.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL3Kk1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp1xVl6nD_RNfPnveKUMuiP...
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From Chaco Canyon to the Statue of Liberty, our sites reflect the essence of who we are as a nation. Without preservation, we risk losing these places and the stories they hold.

🛑 Help us protect these sites! Your donation fuels action, advocacy, and global collaboration. Donate today. https://usicomos.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL3Kk1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp1xVl6nD_RNfPnveKUMuiP6-19Rl1La6RLcD4kPDH-Wy7DGCGWH02gn_3IVn_aem_bT3hCrzIeW0AlC69lxvoDQ

🌐 Our sixth IEP internship update comes from Subika where she and Marnie are working with Ohio History Connection at the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks!

“Week 4 in Newark, Ohio and it’s been a mix of quiet reflection, meaningful work, and small town charm.

We spent most of our days at the Octagon Earthworks - an ancient and powerful indigenous site. We focused on reporting and photography, capturing the quiet interactions people have with the space. There’s a grounding energy that invites observation, thought and respect.
The 4th of July was a simple but beautiful evening- fireworks lit up the sky and brought the community together in celebration and warmth.
We kicked off the week with a day trip to Marietta-a scenic riverside town with historic architecture, and a calm, timeless feel. At the beautiful Marietta Castle, my supervisor gave a presentation to a group of summer camp kids. It was heartwarming to see their curiosity spark as they learned about the local history in such an inspiring space.

Grateful for the slow, steady rhythm of this experience- and for the little surprises along the way. Here’s to more stories, sunsets, and unexpected magic in the weeks ahead.”

#IEP2025 #worldheritageusa #icomos #culturalheritage #historicpreservation #heritageconservation
... See MoreSee Less

🌐 Our sixth IEP internship update comes from Subika where she and Marnie are working with Ohio History Connection at the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks! 

“Week 4 in Newark, Ohio and it’s been a mix of quiet reflection, meaningful work, and small town charm.

We spent most of our days at the Octagon Earthworks - an ancient and powerful indigenous site. We focused on reporting and photography, capturing the quiet interactions people have with the space. There’s a grounding energy that invites observation, thought and respect.
The 4th of July was a simple but beautiful evening- fireworks lit up the sky and brought the community together in celebration and warmth.
We kicked off the week with a day trip to Marietta-a scenic riverside town with historic architecture, and a calm, timeless feel. At the beautiful Marietta Castle, my supervisor gave a presentation to a group of summer camp kids. It was heartwarming to see their curiosity spark as they learned about the local history in such an inspiring space.

Grateful for the slow, steady rhythm of this experience- and for the little surprises along the way. Here’s to more stories, sunsets, and unexpected magic in the weeks ahead.”

#IEP2025 #worldheritageusa #icomos #culturalheritage #historicpreservation #heritageconservationImage attachmentImage attachment+6Image attachment

🌐 Our fifth IEP internship update comes from Marnie where she and Subika are working with Ohio History Connection at the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks!

“A run down of weeks 3 and 4 here in Newark, Ohio;

Week 3: Documenting the Octagon is well underway!

This week was all about research. Diving into the history of the Octagon site, and it has quite a story to tell. The focus has been on the various changes to the site and considering how those shifts have affected the landscape – especially the earthworks. It has been fascinating to see how time, people and nature have all left their mark here.

Mid-week, saw an all team site visit to Fort Ancient, one of the eight Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks sites. We were fortunate to receive a guided tour from Bill Kennedy, the site's archaeologist and manager, whose insights added great depth to our understanding of how the sites were built and used

We ended the week with a celebratory bang—food, fun, and fireworks for the Fourth of July!

Week 4: Kicking off the week with a visit to Ohio’s Oldest city, Marietta where we got to see some of the beautiful historic sites around town. Back in Newark we continued with photographic archival recordings and started producing as built measured drawings of the buildings onsite.

Later in the week we headed down to the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe which contains five of the eight sites that make up the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. We got a special behind-the-scenes look at the park’s collections and we got to sit down with Dr. Timothy Everhart, who walked us through key aspects of ArcGIS—a tool that will be crucial to our documentation efforts.

Rounding out week 4 the weekend was spent exploring Cleveland. From some tasty treats at the West Side Market, Monet at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Edgewater Beach to finally finishing up the weekend with a classic American experience - my first ever baseball game!”

#IEP2025 #worldheritageusa #icomos #culturalheritage #historicpreservation #heritageconservation
... See MoreSee Less

🌐 Our fifth IEP internship update comes from Marnie where she and Subika are working with Ohio History Connection at the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks! 

“A run down of weeks 3 and 4 here in Newark, Ohio; 

Week 3: Documenting the Octagon is well underway!

This week was all about research. Diving into the history of the Octagon site, and it has quite a story to tell. The focus has been on the various changes to the site and considering how those shifts have affected the landscape – especially the earthworks. It has been fascinating to see how time, people and nature have all left their mark here.

Mid-week, saw an all team site visit to Fort Ancient, one of the eight Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks sites. We were fortunate to receive a guided tour from Bill Kennedy, the sites archaeologist and manager, whose insights added great depth to our understanding of how the sites were built and used

We ended the week with a celebratory bang—food, fun, and fireworks for the Fourth of July!

Week 4: Kicking off the week with a visit to Ohio’s Oldest city, Marietta where we got to see some of the beautiful historic sites around town. Back in Newark we continued with photographic archival recordings and started producing as built measured drawings of the buildings onsite.

Later in the week we headed down to the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe which contains five of the eight sites that make up the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. We got a special behind-the-scenes look at the park’s collections and we got to sit down with Dr. Timothy Everhart, who walked us through key aspects of ArcGIS—a tool that will be crucial to our documentation efforts.

Rounding out week 4 the weekend was spent exploring Cleveland. From some tasty treats at the West Side Market, Monet at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Edgewater Beach to finally finishing up the weekend with a classic American experience - my first ever baseball game!”

#IEP2025 #worldheritageusa #icomos #culturalheritage #historicpreservation #heritageconservationImage attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment
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