Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Historic Preservation
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Jon Marcoux
Committee Member
Dr. Laurel Bartlett
Committee Member
Sam Spence
Abstract
Communication in preservation is key to elevate the momentum of preserving the built environment, historic communities, and cultural landscapes. Effective communication should expand diversity and inclusion of key demographics that have not been sufficiently reached via current or historic outreach methods. Intentional and direct strategies to message specific communities could make an impact on the future success of preservation.
This thesis uncovers the trends of current communication practices at historic preservation nonprofits along the East Coast in an effort to evaluate factors that impact methods and evaluation. The purpose of this study is to understand the current methods deployed by nonprofits in their communication programs. The data analyzed includes methods of communication, focus areas, target audiences, resources, and measurement strategies. The goal is to understand if there are organizational implications based on budget, geography, membership, audience focus, and communication resources.
A detailed survey of East Coast historic nonprofits provided baseline data to evaluate trends across a variety of factors. Selected follow-up interviews provided context to the survey responses. The results show that organizations with an annual operating budget of over $1 million and the presence of a formal communications role have an impact on an organization’s communication strategy. This research serves as benchmark data for organizations that are looking to institute a communication plan.
Recommended Citation
Byrne, Caroline, "An Analysis of Communication Trends of East Coast Historic Preservation Nonprofit Organizations" (2024). All Theses. 4261.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/4261