Public Interpretation of Heritage Sites
New South Associates (NSA) provides public interpretation of heritage sites including websites, printed materials, and popular histories.
With passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966, Congress stated “…the spirit and direction of the Nation are founded upon and reflected in its historic heritage… the historical and cultural foundations of the Nation should be preserved as a living part of our community life and development in order to give a sense of orientation to the American people…”
CRM is at its heart intended for the benefit of all Americans. NSA is an industry leader in the development and presentation of public outreach. We have successfully developed project websites, posters and brochures, and popular histories, to connect the present with the past. We encourage our clients to explore public outreach whenever feasible and welcome the chance to work with communities in displaying, interpreting, and promoting their past.
Public Interpretation of Heritage Sites
Project Websites
NSA’s graphics specialists and website architects have experience in designing project related websites that are visually appealing and have informative content. Our staff archaeologists and historians are accomplished at writing web text that highlights the significant aspects of a project, making the past easily understood.
Posters and Brochures
Outreach media, such as posters and brochures, can relay information that is targeted to residents for their benefit and enjoyment. NSA’s talented graphics personnel have designed an array of posters on a variety of subjects, many of which are framed and can be found in offices around the southeast. NSA prepared Georgia’s Archaeology Month posters from 2004 to 2007 as part of our sponsorship, and the 2004 poster (Georgia’s Frontiers in the Soil) finished second in a national competition on archaeology month posters held by the Society for American Archaeology.
Popular Histories
NSA specializes in translating technical studies into popular histories that are intended for the public. With heavy use of graphic images and design, our popular histories visually present the history, landscapes, and people that form the history of a site or association. NSA’s landmark publication, the Savannah River Site at Fifty, is an example of a popular history. Prepared for the 50th anniversary of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS), and written by NSA President Mary Beth Reed and her colleagues, this 700+ page illustrated book conveys the world events leading up to the construction of SRS, site selection, the relocation of local communities, construction, operations, and management. Published by the Government Printing Office, this book was the recipient of the 2002 American Cultural Resource Association Quality Product Award.
Interpretive Signage
Good interpretive signage encourages engagement. While it can also be a teaching tool, it should draw visitors’ attention to, and spark dialogue about something observed on-site. New South historians, archaeologists, and graphic designers work together to create thoughtful, informative, and engaging signage. We use durable sign hardware and high-resolution graphic panels that stand the test of time.